Kidd tries to create distraction, Celtics simply focused on ‘best’ team

Kidd tries to create distraction, Celtics simply focused on ‘best’ team originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd elected to spice up an otherwise sleepy Saturday offday media session by twice suggesting that Jaylen Brown is the best player on the Boston Celtics’ roster.

While undeniably a compliment for Brown, who was a two-way force in Boston’s lopsided Game 1 triumph on Thursday, the suggestion casts some obvious shade in the direction of Jayson Tatum.

If the goal was to simply distract everyone from the woes of his Mavericks and the uphill climb the team faces after how Game 1 played out, then we kinda understand Kidd’s attempt to stir up some drama.

But to purposely provide fuel to an All-NBA first-teamer like Tatum seems like a risky dice roll at best. To quote the fictional Pepper Brooks: It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for ‘em.

The Celtics, in their turns at the podium on Saturday, were asked to respond to Kidd’s declaration. Tatum accelerated past the query like it was Luka Doncic trying to defend him on the perimeter.

“No reaction,” said Tatum. “This is a team sport, right? We understand that. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have JB on our team, and we can say that for a lot of guys, right? We have all played a part in getting to where we’re at, and we understand that people try to drive a wedge between us.

“I guess it’s a smart thing to do — or try to do. We’ve been in this position for years of guys trying to divide us and say that one of us should be traded or one is better than the other. So it’s not our first time at the rodeo.”

“We understand people try to drive a wedge between us … This is not our first time at the rodeo.”

-Jayson Tatum on Jason Kidd saying Jaylen Brown is Boston’s best player 👀

(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/I5QBAWdaV0

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 8, 2024

Brown arrived at the podium before Tatum and likewise Eurostepped his way around what Al Horford would suggest was a sneaky attempt to drum up chatter.

“No reaction,” said Brown. Pressed on Kidd’s potential motivation, Brown added, “I…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kidd-tries-create-distraction-celtics-210943690.html

Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-06-08 21:09:43

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