It has been a tough couple of days for Jayson Tatum since learning about the tragic death of Terrence Clarke on Thursday.
The Celtics All-Star opened up about his bond with the Boston native and 2021 NBA Draft prospect following the team's loss to the Brooklyn Nets Friday night. Tatum described the 19-year-old former guard at the University of Kentucky as a "smiling little brother." Clarke died after injuries suffered in a car accident in Los Angeles and his passing has prompted an outpour of grief from his hometown and the basketball community.
"He was a great kid," Tatum said postgame. "Obviously, he was extremely talented, but just the kind of person he was. He was always smiling. He always had a smile on his face and just in a good mood.
"Over the last probably three years, I've been in the gym with him. He used to come to a lot of our home games. He came to my birthday dinner last year. We talked a lot over the phone — I wish we would've talked more but, you know, kind of like a little brother. Someone that reached out for advice.
"He was such a good kid. Always joking, always laughing. Obviously, you can see how many people knew him and had a relationship with him and felt that pain yesterday and still is something that is just extremely tough. (I'm) Just praying for his family at this this time. That was a tough loss for everybody."
Tatum paid tribute to his friend on Instagram, while the Boston Red Sox and Celtics also mourned the passing of Clarke.
Boston’s own.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 23, 2021
Our hearts are with the family and friends of Terrence Clarke. pic.twitter.com/q4hHsOENiS
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