‘All in the family’: Behind-the-scenes video highlights Celtics players and their loved ones
"He might be the best shooter in the family," Derrick White said of his son, Hendrix.
Ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Celtics posted Episode 4 of their series “All In.”
This episode, which lasted 18-plus minutes (likely not a coincidence), was captioned “All in the family” on social media.
It shows Celtics players with their families, their family members talking about them, and much more – offering an inside look at what makes the bonds they’ve built special.
The video begins with Derrick White in his backyard, playing hoops with his son, Hendrix.
“He likes shooting,” White said. “If it’s ever on the TV, he’ll clap any time anybody makes a shot, whether it’s the other team or anybody.”
He then hands Hendrix the ball, lets him go to work, and notes that pretty much his entire day is spent rebounding for him.
“He might be the best shooter in the family,” White said.
White showed Hendrix a Celtics poster and asked where Jaylen Brown was, then he asked Hendrix to name his favorite player. Hendrix pointed at his dad, and dad proudly said thanks.
He then shared an inspirational text from his father, Richard, who was born in Boston.
White said being a father has changed his perspective. Whether he has 30 points or zero, it doesn’t change how his sons look at him. It’s reminded him what’s really important.
“It’s the best thing to happen to me,” White said.
Then Paul Pierce enters as a narrator, and the video shows clips of Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Jayson Tatum, and more playing basketball as kids.
Brown shares how the Celtics all came from different walks of life and met at this moment.
“Some people are born to do great things,” Brown said. “It’s just a matter of time until you realize it.”
It then shows Tatum when he was drafted, and his mother, Brandy Cole, said Tatum dreamed from a young age of making the NBA. A teacher said it was too far-fetched, but his mother reminded him to keep dreaming big.
Tatum said his mother surrounded him with “tough love” and pushed him to where he is now. Cole said he always knew her son would be a great dad, and she loves seeing the bond between Jayson and Deuce.
“Jayson, it’s me, it’s momma,” Cole said. “My message to you this playoffs is to block out all the noise, remember who you are, remember the work you put in.”
Next up was coach Joe Mazzulla, and his wife, Camai Mazzulla, said she knows this is where he’s supposed to be.
“The time that he takes to connect with every player and staff member on a deeper level is what makes the difference,” Camai Mazzulla said.
Then came Horford, with videos of him playing, throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park, and more.
Horford said having his father, Tito, and his son, Ean, at games is special and something he doesn’t take for granted. Tito Horford said his son approaches the game and his teammates as family.
“Al knows exactly what to say at the right time,” Brad Stevens said. “He’s probably the most patient leader I’ve ever been around.”
Next up was Brown. His mother, Mechalle Brown, said she believes “basketball chose Jaylen.” She said his brother, Quenton Brown, was playing, and Jaylen – who couldn’t even walk at the time – had “tunnel vision” and was “mesmerized with the ball.” Brown started to chase the ball, and those were his very first steps.
“It was divine intervention,” Mechalle Brown said.
It then shows Brown when he was drafted, with the famous clip where he says: “I’m going to go to war for this city every night.” Brown said an essential of life is knowing your purpose, and figuring that out puts everything into perspective.
The video then showed Porzingis, including his return Thursday night after a 38-day absence.
Porzingis called it a “surreal feeling” to be part of the Celtics and said it’s important to look back and have gratitude.
Xavier Tillman Sr. credited his parents for allowing him to understand how important it is to work. Jrue Holiday said his past has helped him learn for the future. Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, Oshae Brissett, Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser, Jaden Springer, and Luke Kornet then shared some thoughts.
Porzingis said it’s “a grind,” but getting that win at the end would make it all worth it.
“That’s the only goal,” Porzingis said.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com