NBA players aren’t just known for their game-day heroics—they’re also stepping up off the court, using their platforms, influence, and resources to support and uplift those still working hard to create their own path. One such player is Jayson Tatum. In May, he underwent surgery for a torn Achilles—an injury that’s expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season. But even with the cast still on and recovery underway, Tatum made time to show up, connect, listen, and above all, inspire those chasing dreams of their own.

The Jayson Tatum Foundation is all about inspiring and uplifting kids, teens, and families through basketball, education, and community support. Since 2018, it’s been hosting a free annual basketball camp where young athletes learn the same fundamentals that shaped Tatum’s journey. But it’s not just about the game—the foundation also focuses on mentorship, civic responsibility, and rebuilding communities. By offering resources and leadership opportunities, it helps young people believe in themselves and make a difference in their own neighborhoods.

Held at the very community center where he once honed his own game—St. Louis—the camp had a feeling of homecoming, and Tatum showed up like he never left. Greeted by a swarm of excited kids, he didn’t just come to smile for photos and shoot around. He came to lead. And in a clip shared by Ian Inangelo on X, Tatum delivered a powerful message about what it truly means to be “the guy” on a team.

“There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being, you know the guy, the best player, right,” he told the kids. “So if we’re in a situation, if we’re in a game and you know it’s not going right, but we’re losing—you know they often look to the best player. And how are you going to respond? How are you gonna act, right? If I’m complaining, if I don’t believe that we’re going to win that, then the rest of the team will follow. But if I continue to encourage my teammates, you know if I’m uplifted, I’m still optimistic about winning the game, then my teammates believe that we have an opportunity, that we have a chance to win.” It wasn’t just a basketball lesson. It was a life one.

Tatum made sure the entire camp experience reflected that theme of leadership. Alongside basketball drills and scrimmages, there were essay and art competitions where kids expressed what leadership meant to them. One of the most creative parts? A challenge where campers worked in teams to build and race balloon-powered cars. The goal wasn’t just to win—it was to learn how to communicate, problem-solve, and lift each other up. Tatum documented much of the fun on his Instagram Stories, including a video of the kids hooping with the caption, “Going off at JT Camp. Back-to-back buckets and the assist.”

And just when it seemed the day couldn’t get any better, Tatum made sure every single kid went home with a huge smile—and a brand new iPad. The joy on their faces said it all. In a summer filled with major changes for the Boston Celtics—departures, injuries, and front office moves—this camp served as a reminder of why Jayson Tatum remains irreplaceable.

Transition time in Boston: Execs out, roster reworked

Less than a year ago, the Boston Celtics were NBA champions, hoisting Banner 18 with a roster that felt nearly unbeatable. But this offseason started with major changes at the executive level. After 17 seasons with the franchise, assistant GM Austin Ainge left to join his father, Danny Ainge, in Utah as the Jazz’s new president of basketball operations. His exit marks the end of a 22-year run where at least one Ainge was part of the Celtics’ front office. And that’s not all. Director of Scouting Remy Cofield also departed, adding to the leadership shake-up. In their place, Boston is reportedly bringing in Drew Nicholas as executive director of player personnel. Nicholas knows the organization from his earlier stint as a scout in 2021–22 and has built up an impressive resume with stops in Denver, Brooklyn, Philly, and Minnesota.

But the changes haven’t stopped at the front office. On the court, Boston is losing key players from its 2024 title run. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded in cap-cutting moves. Free agent center Luke Kornet—an unlikely fan favorite and analytics darling—landed a four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs. “It sucked to trade Jrue and KP, because we loved those guys and they loved Boston,” one Celtics exec told Keith Smith of Spotrac. “But it was being brutally honest that we aren’t the same level of team without Jayson.” With Tatum expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season due to Achilles surgery, Boston seems to be bracing for what many are calling a “gap year.”

The front office isn’t done adjusting. The team is still hovering above the second apron of the luxury tax and could look to move newly-acquired Anfernee Simons and his $27.7 million expiring contract. Georges Niang and Sam Hauser’s futures are also in play. But there’s a long game here. If the Celtics can duck the tax for the next two years, they’ll have financial flexibility to reload in the summer of 2027—possibly around a healthy Tatum and remaining stars like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. As one exec said bluntly: “You can’t be over the second apron and not a title contender. It’s just poor management for both the short- and long-term.”