Former Duke Teammate Turned Celtics Assistant Coach Amile Jefferson on Jayson Tatum: 'He's Going to Get So Much Better'

As a fifth-year senior, Amile Jefferson took on a mentorship role when Jayson Tatum first arrived at Duke. Now, the close friends reunite on the Celtics.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

While Jayson Tatum saw Grant Williams, his closest friend on the team, and a core member of the Celtics, Marcus Smart, leave Boston this offseason, turnover with the coaching staff brought someone else with strong ties to the four-time All-Star into the fold.

Amile Jefferson reunites with Tatum, a collegiate teammate at Duke, joining the Celtics as an assistant coach. Boston signed the former to an Exhibit 10 deal in 2020.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jefferson recently worked for the Blue Devils as the men's basketball program's director of player development under Mike Krzyzewski. Jon Scheyer then promoted him to assistant coach.

Speaking to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe at Summer League, he said of his new job, "It all kind of just fell into line perfectly."

Jefferson continued, "Duke was a special place, and I loved being there, but the chance to work for an organization like this and to learn and get better and compete at the highest level was something that I felt like was the next step in my journey. I can't wait to get to work."

He first formed a relationship with the star of the Celtics, who he'll now be coaching, while taking on a mentorship role as a fifth-year senior when Tatum was a freshman.

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

As conveyed by Himmelsbach, what stood out to Jefferson was "he was super physical, and you don't really find freshmen that seek out the contact." The Philadelphia native added about the St. Louis standout, "he would go into people's bodies. He'd pull you in. He wanted to get hit. And he knew how to do all those things. He was advanced."

Jefferson is also adamant that his friendship with Tatum won't compromise his ability to perform his job or coach Boston's best player, relaying, "I think nothing really changes, especially for me," and "I always tell him how I feel, whether good, bad, or indifferent."

And while the latter's first six years in the NBA have included two-straight All-NBA First Team selections, four trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, getting within two wins of a title, leading the league in total points this past season, and All-Star Game MVP honors, Jefferson believes he's far from his ceiling.

"He still has so much more to do," stated Jefferson. "He's only 25. He's not even in his prime yet. He's going to get so much better, which is crazy, considering how good he is. But I'm excited to see him grow."

In Jefferson's player enhancement role, he'll work closer with the roster's younger members, helping their development just as he did Tatum's when the latter first arrived at Duke. But having a friend since college joining the Celtics, especially as Williams and Smart exit, is something Boston's leading scorer surely appreciates.

Further Reading

Here's What the Celtics Received in Finalized Grant Williams Sign-and-Trade

Celtics and Clippers Reportedly a 'Resounding No' for Damian Lillard

The Latest Intel on Celtics' Negotiations with Jaylen Brown

Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics

Despite a 'Big Knot' Above His Knee, Jordan Walsh Says He'll Continue Playing at Summer League

Celtics Reportedly Attend Former All-Star Point Guard's Private Workout

Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'

3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Opener vs. Heat

Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'

Evaluating Celtics' Options in Free Agency

Celtics Reportedly Not Pursuing Damian Lillard