It doesn’t take too long for individuals to build a bond with one another and that idea is exemplified by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Philadelphia 76ers forward-center Al Horford.
Speaking to reporters at Media Day, Tatum was asked who his favorite teammates have been in the short time he’s been in the league. Tatum, who was selected with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, singled out Horford.
“I miss him,” Tatum says.
Horford signed with the Sixers in July after spending three seasons with the Celtics. Despite a desire to spend the remainder of his career in Boston, the veteran’s outlook of the team’s future changed with the departure of six-time All-Star Kyrie Irving and possibly the inability of Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge to swing a trade for superstar Anthony Davis.
Horford’s quiet leadership and steady professionalism were well-received throughout the Celtics organization, with multiple players having expressed how he’s one of those people who leads by example.
The relationship between Tatum and Horford hasn’t been deeply explored. Indeed, their difference in ages — Horford is 12 years Tatum’s senior — would make it seem like there should be a generational gap between the two that could effect the potential potency of their relationship.
However, in the way that people have a favorite uncle or older cousin, Tatum obviously still found himself developing a relatively close bond to Horford. Further, as basketball teams often achieve a fraternal bond from spending so much time together — going through a roller coaster season filled with drama and triumphs — the chaos of last season may have only strengthened their connection.
The Celtics play the Sixers — a division rival— four times per season, so Tatum will have plenty of opportunity to reconnect with Horford in person. At the very least, the two likely have each other’s numbers, and can keep tabs on each other in that manner in the meantime.
