BRIGHTON — Paolo Banchero often sports Jayson Tatum’s sneakers, and when he’s needed advice throughout the years, the Celtics star has been someone he has turned to.
The two have maintained a close friendship throughout Banchero’s journey from Duke to the NBA, with Tatum embracing the role of the mentor. But when the Celtics take on the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs on Friday, two standout Duke basketball alumni will put their friendship to the side.
Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum were friends since Banchero was in college
Banchero, the top draft pick in the 2022 draft, played for Duke for one year before beginning his NBA career in Orlando.