Paul Pierce Says Jayson Tatum Is Underappreciated Because Of Boston ..ANHTRUC.

Paul Pierce says Jayson Tatum doesn’t get the respect he deserves because the Celtics are the most hated team.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesBoston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum feels underappreciated, and franchise icon Paul Pierce knows why he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. On the latest episode of the Ticket and The Truth podcast, Pierce claimed the hatred toward Boston has led to Tatum getting undeserved criticism.

“Because he plays for Boston. It’s just what it is,” Pierce said. “Even Larry Bird was underappreciated because at one point, he was the best player in the league, but it was always Magic… Boston is the most hated franchise, hated team in all of sports, in all of basketball for sure.

“Like the guy has been to six Conference Finals in eight years,” Pierce continued. “In eight years, two Finals. Like, if you match that up with like, KD’s and all the stars, they didn’t do that. Even like Luka (Doncic) been to one Finals, two Conference Finals.”

That’s a nice little theory, but it falls apart when Pierce claims that Larry Bird was underappreciated. Bird was named MVP thrice in his career, and only five players in NBA history have won the award on more occasions.

Bird is also just one of three players to win three straight MVPs, and he got all of them before Magic Johnson even got one. So, to claim that Johnson got all the appreciation while Bird was pushed to the side is ridiculous.

Getting back to the point about winning three straight MVPs, one of the other players to accomplish that feat was a certain Celtics icon named Bill Russell. So, the notion that their players have always been underappreciated is just not true.

As for why Tatum might not get the respect he deserves, well, there are quite a few reasons you can point to. His numbers don’t jump off the screen, his game isn’t too flashy, and he doesn’t have an infectious personality, either.

Tatum has also had the fortune of playing on pretty talented teams for basically his entire career. So, his making six Conference Finals in eight years isn’t held in quite the same regard as someone like Luka Doncic getting there twice with a good but not great supporting cast.

The only way Tatum is going to get more respect is if he goes on and wins multiple titles. It would also help the 27-year-old’s cause if he wins Finals MVP by balling out on the big stage, something he was unable to do last year.

Tatum is certainly more than capable of doing it, too, as we have seen him deliver in high-pressure playoff games a fair few times in his career. If the six-time All-Star does get back to the Finals this year or at some other point in the future, you’d back him to put on a show. Until then, though, nothing is going to change in terms of how he is viewed.

Tatum also believes he is most qualified to become the next face of the NBA, and again, winning another title or two would help in that regard. The 43-18 Celtics have a pretty good shot at defending their title, and doing so would get Tatum a step closer to getting the kind of recognition he feels he deserves.

For now, though, Tatum and the Celtics’ attention would be on their next game against the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden on Wednesday at 7 PM ET.

Related Posts

BREAKING: San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa starts 2025 with major life announcement, predicted destination is Denver Broncos… vannguyen

The NFL world is in shock as Nick Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive superstar, has made a stunning announcement that could reshape the league in 2025….

New Jets star Brandin Echols makes shocking statement about Darius Slay Jr: “He’s got more….”. vannguyen

The NFL just got a little spicier as New York Jets’ latest acquisition, Brandin Echols, threw some serious shade at Eagles star Darius Slay Jr. When asked…

Aaron Rodgers speaks out about wanting to be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame after his career ends. vannguyen

The legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his latest statement about his future has Packers fans buzzing. With his…

Breaking news: Chiefs’ Chris Jones has ended his long-term relationship with his girlfriend – who is also a close friend of Taylor Swift – over issues… vannguyen

Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones has shocked fans by officially ending his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, who happens to be a close friend of Taylor…

Contract Report Through 2027: Surprise Results as Denver Broncos Bo Nix Signs 2-Year Contract with Broncos in Huge Deal…. vannguyen

The Denver Broncos have made a game-changing move, locking in quarterback Bo Nix on a lucrative 2-year contract that has fans and analysts buzzing. With speculation swirling…

Mekhi Becton is probably the brightest name that Philadelphia Eagles regrets losing when his contract expires, revealing the player who will replace this million-dollar talent… vannguyen

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a tough reality as Mekhi Becton, one of the most promising names on their roster, is set to hit free agency. With…