Paul Pierce believes one Boston Celtics superstar is treated much more harshly than any other superstar in the NBA.
The Boston Celtics are one of the most polarizing teams in the NBA. Given their success across the league’s long history, that comes as no surprise.
One player who has caught the most flack from the fanbase is Jayson Tatum. As the face of the Boston Celtics, he often finds himself being undercredited or even slandered.
Many in the NBA have questioned why Jayson Tatum gets so much hate. Even Tatum has wondered why he isn’t considered a candidate for the face of the NBA.
Nikola Jokic also backs Tatum for the role. But the NBA still doesn’t give Tatum the credit he deserves, and Paul Pierce is tired of it.
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Paul Pierce spoke recently on NBC Sports Boston about the reputation Jayson Tatum has within the league. The former Finals MVP was baffled over why Tatum was so disliked.
Pierce credited Tatum for being humble, hard working, and a true student of the game. But the disrespect he gets within the league is beyond anything any other superstar experiences.
“When I watch Tatum on and off the court, he’s humble, he works hard. I have a chance to watch him work out in LA every year, he loves the game.”
“He has something to play for because he’s probably the most disrespected superstar in our league. The motivation is always there for him.”
“Look what they did to him at the Olympics. It seems like it’s always something with Jayson Tatum that doesn’t sit well with people, and year in and year out, he’s first team All-NBA, he won a championship, and then there’s something else.”
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Regardless of whether you like him or not, there is no denying how crucial Jayson Tatum is to the Boston Celtics.
He forms one half of their star tandem with Jaylen Brown. This season, he has put up strong numbers, averaging 26.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
Jayson Tatum always plays hard on a nightly basis. No matter what, he always gives the Boston Celtics his all when he’s on the court.
This is one of the reasons why Colin Cowherd named Tatum the heart of the NBA. And the NBA could do with players employing his mentality.
