Six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum missed Sunday night’s 124-90 win against the Washington Wizards due to ankle soreness from his injury against the Sacramento Kings on March 24. The four-time All-NBA member is averaging 26.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and a career-high 3.5 three-point field goals made per game in his first season since winning his first NBA Championship in 2024.
Shortly after acquiring his first ring, Tatum went on to win an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Paris. However, despite his recent success, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr significantly limited Tatum’s playing time.
Recently, a Celtics legend shared his feelings on the “disrespected” star.
Sunday before the contest against the Wizards, 2008 Finals MVP Paul Pierce joined the NBC Sports panel to discuss Tatum’s ascension to superstardom.
“He has something to play for because he’s probably the most disrespected superstar to play in our league,” said Pierce. “… look what they did to him in the Olympics. It seems like it’s always something about Jayson Tatum that doesn’t sit well with people … and then he won a championship and it’s like ‘Well, it’s something else.’”
The scrutiny for Team USA was apparent coming from Celtics fans over the summer. This was not only due to the lack of playing time for Tatum, but also for the decision to not invite Jaylen Brown right after winning Finals MVP.
While ultimately the criticism was irrelevant due to Team USA winning the gold medal, still eight months later people feel the need to vouch for the Celtics star.
