The Boston Celtics were unsure if they were going to get Jayson Tatum back this season. After Tatum tore his Achilles in the second round of the playoffs, it seemed almost impossible that he would play this year. Jaylen Brown approached this season that way.
Instead of preparing like he was the second option, Brown knew he was going to be the top offensive option. That’s not something he has ever had the opportunity to do.
Brown had a strange way of preparing for that role in the offseason, and he recently detailed that in an in-depth interview with ESPN.
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Details Strange Offseason Training Method
GettyBoston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown passes the ball in a game against the Heat. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
While speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, Brown talked about an offseason training method he used to simulate drowning. Brown claims it was a way to learn how to calm himself down.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” Brown said. “It’s like basically training yourself to drown.”
Brown said that it really helped him deal with anxiety.
It’s a way to mentally learn how to deal with anxiety. You get comfortable with it. … The worst thing you can do is panic. That’s in the water, but that’s also in life. If you panic in the water, you drown faster. So the water teaches you to relax when you’re in that fight or flight, to just relax.”
That’s certainly one way to train for an NBA season. His teammates even think it’s a crazy way to prepare to play basketball.
“I’ve seen him in the pool doing his workout, and he kind of sounds like a dolphin,” Jordan Walsh told ESPN. “He goes straight up and down to the deep end with the weights. He advised that I try it a few times, and I’m like, ‘JB, that looks like torture. I’m not sure that’s for me.’ But maybe I should because clearly it’s working for him.”
Jaylen Brown Could Lead the Celtics to a Championship
GettyBoston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown dribbles the ball in a game against the Nets. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Even with Tatum back on the floor, Brown is clearly the leader of the team. Boston has the second-best offense in the league, and most of that has been without Tatum.
Tatum has looked excellent in his return from his injury, even if he doesn’t have his full explosion back yet. This is still Brown’s team, and will be throughout the postseason.
Tatum has had the ultimate faith in Brown and has all season.
“Obviously [Brown’s] somebody that’s always been capable,” Tatum told ESPN. “This was just an opportunity where more was required from everybody, but especially him. The NBA is all about opportunity and the guys who really make the most out of it. The special ones do, and that’s exactly what he’s been able to do this year.”
Trying to beat whoever comes out of the Western Conference will be a different beast.
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