In an era of hot takes and drama based eyeball bait, I find it refreshing to appreciate the simple, pleasant things in sports. Often times we “cheer for laundry” (copyright Bill Simmons) and we don’t get to pick the individuals who put on the jersey. Sometimes that requires you to talk yourself into seeing the good in anyone (which is admirable to a point). But boy does it make it easier when you actually, genuinely like and admire the players that lace ‘em up for your favorite team.
Personally, I find this entire roster extremely likable from top to bottom. To the point that I felt like writing a little ode to each one of them.
The Stars:
Jayson Tatum – We’ve covered this before, but for the sake of the exercise I don’t mind repeating myself. For all the wasted ink on what he’s not, let’s take inventory of what he is. A top 5 (at least) player in the league, that thrives on both ends of the court, making those around him better. We know that availability is an ability and he’s elite at that too.
Beyond all of that, he’s a corny (in the best way), loving father who leads his team with love and caring. He listens to his coaches and mentors (Al Horford most notably) and looks to implement their teaching.
There’s a reason why he’s showing up in more and more endorsements. He’s the model of what we want our superstars to look and act like and none of it feels fake or forced.
Jaylen Brown – Brown has a lot of the same on court talents that Tatum has, but he’s a whole different vibe. He comes across more thoughtful, introspective, and focused on growth and learning in all aspects of his life. What has been fun the last couple years is seeing the way Porzingis pulls his goofy, fun side out into the open more often. Which brings us to…
Superstar Role Players:
Kristaps Porzingis – Before he came to town, I could not have guessed that KP would vibe with the city of Boston as perfectly as he does. He’s had a permanent grin since the day he put on the uniform and he has a knack for sensing the moment and feeding off the energy of the Boston crowd. Nothing illustrates that more than the reaction he got by whooping it up with the crowd while blood was literally pouring down his face.
Derrick White – Another guy that just seems to vibe with the Boston crowd, but in a much more subtle way. He’s not one for too much showmanship, but he always has a knack for making just the right play at just the right time. And his aw-shucks, humble personality seems completely genuine and authentic. Boston fans love to build up the unsung heroes like Derrick and he’s thriving here.
Al Horford – I’ve said this before, but my feelings towards Al are similar to the way that Jake Peralta feels about Captain Holt on Brooklyn 99. He’s an awe-inspiring, quiet storm, monument to father figures and dad energy. I envy the time that Tatum gets to sit with him on flights absorbing his wisdom and guidance.
Jrue Holiday – (See what I mean, the list just keeps going) He doesn’t want the attention for all the amazing things he does for the community and causes that he and his wife dedicate their time, talents, and treasures to. But people notice anyway. That same deferential energy translates on the court as well, where he gives the team exactly what they need without taking anything off the table for others and taking none of the credit for himself.
Payton Pritchard – A tireless grinder. A gym rat. The hardest working guy on a team full of hard workers. Fearless in the face of opponents that dwarf him physically. Undaunted by the moment or the stakes. A gamer. A winner. Yeah, I think Boston vibes with Payton Pritchard.
The Stay Ready Guys (quick hits)
Luke Kornet – The Korny King himself. Master of goofy celebrations and dad jokes. If coolness is just living confidently and fully as yourself, I deem him the coolest guy on the team.
Sam Hauser – An awe-shucks sniper with the quiet confidence of a shooter that knows the next one is going down every time.
Torrey Craig – A defensive dog who embraces the moment.
JD Davison – A development project that has worked his way to the big leagues by dominating the G-League.
Neemias Queta – Athletic, springy, and unpredictable. Another fun development project.
Baylor Scheierman – Joe Ingles in a frat boy body? Sign me up.
Jordan Walsh – Tireless worker and defensive standout.
Xavier Tillman – Big dad energy. By all accounts a really nice guy.
All this and I haven’t even covered our psycho head coach.
This team is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and that’s always fun to root for. But there’s another layer of awesome when the team is just so likeable off the court as well.
