“If I could get to that level, it would be incredible,” Tatum said after scoring a team-high 34 points in the Celtics’ 108-104 win over the Knicks on Wednesday morning at Madison Square Garden. Said in time. “I mean, Tom is the greatest football player of all time and one of the greatest athletes of all time. For myself and everyone who follows him and appreciates him – his mentality, his work ethic , the way he approaches the game — you can apply that to what we do and try to be great.”
Tatum said he first met the Hall of Fame quarterback when Brady was playing for the Patriots, and their friendship has grown in recent years.
“Tom is the best,” Tatum said. “He has every reason to be arrogant and all those things, but he’s really down to earth. He texts me every now and then. He watches (Celtics) games. He’s a really, really great guy, the best to ever football player, that says a lot about him.”
Tatum, Brady and Yankees hit hard on Tuesday Aaron Judge The wishes of nine children were fulfilled. They held basketball and football drills, signed autographs, and spent one-on-one time with each family.
“It’s great to be around kids who are obviously facing challenges in their lives but still trying to overcome them and be with their friends and family and brothers and sisters,” Tatum said. “When we come to the court Go up there and play basketball and football with them and just hang out with them and see the reactions on their faces, it’s priceless.”
Derrick White not re-signed
celtics and defenders Derek White An extension had not been agreed before Tuesday’s deadline, but neither side is concerned. A team source said White remains in Boston’s long-term plans, and White reiterated his desire to stay in Boston on Wednesday.
Both sides will have one year to renew White’s contract at the start of the next league year in July, which will run until 2024-25.
“I think (negotiations) are going well and I want to be here a long time, so that hasn’t changed,” said White, who had 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals in 32 minutes Wednesday night. “I think we have a good relationship now and we know what’s important right now. That’s what we’re focused on.”
Al Horford’s Different Characters
forward Al HorfordHe has started all 429 regular season and playoff games in his Celtics career and came off the bench Wednesday night.
coach Joe Mazzula You have stressed that the starting lineup this season will be fluid and will be adjusted based on game and rest situations. But he also praised Horford for accepting this unfamiliar role.
“Al was a culture warrior to us,” he said. “So for a guy like him, what he’s done in this league, what he’s done for our team, to be willing to do that for our team is huge.
“At the same time, it’s not just about him. “I think that’s the idea throughout preseason… Al made the initial sacrifice, but everybody has to do that. “
In the first game, Horford played 26 minutes and scored 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists.
Adam Himmelsbach can be contacted at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com.follow him @Adam Himmelsbach.