Celtics notice Jayson Tatum leadership leap to begin camp

"From the outside looking in, I always thought he was one of the best players in the league," Conley said. "Getting to know him now, he's a guy that I feel like is really coming into his own as a leader, a guy that's ready to make a jump, I think after the last couple of years with the injury."

"He called everybody and said, let's go workout, let's go meet," Conley recalled. "Let's spend about 7-8 days out there, go golf, go out to eat. I feel like he's setting up all kinds of things off the court. He's bringing in huddles after practices. After every workout we we have, he has something to say, calling guys out, just really taking ownership of the situation, so that's big."

The newest Celtics see a vocal and involved Tatum through their first impressions of him, and Joe Mazzulla left room on media day for Tatum's voice to grow into his 10th season. Tatum typically leads quietly by example, teammates have long observed, through his work ethic, consistent availability and versatile and unselfish approach to the game. Mazzulla said on Wednesday that he wants Tatum to continue that approach on the floor. Off it, Jaylen Brown 's absence leaves a void where he embraced an outspoken approach to leadership.