Jayson Tatum is no stranger to outside noise, but a recent jab from former NBA player Brandon Jennings calling him the “softest superstar in Celtics history” was met with an uncharacteristically direct response. The exchange, which unfolded over social media and gained traction among NBA fans, highlighted Tatum’s ability to clap back while maintaining his focus on the court.
“No. I wasn’t mad… I think it comes with being one of the best players in the league. The more you accomplish, the more it gives people the opportunity to nitpick at things.”
“If I wasn’t who I was or had a certain status, people would probably not talk about me as much. I’m not the first superstar in the league history to do this. I think I can come to it.”
The drama began on the Gil’s Arena podcast, where Jennings questioned Tatum’s toughness. Despite pushback from Gilbert Arenas, who suggested “quietest” might be more accurate, Jennings doubled down. He invoked comparisons to Celtics legends like Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce, further questioning Tatum’s decision-making during the NBA Finals, including how he “allowed” teammate Jaylen Brown to win Finals MVP.
BJ: "Is [Jayson Tatum] the softest Boston Celtics superstar ever?"
Gil: "Whoever saying he's soft… that's a soft ass 28ppg he's averaging. Go on out there and get your head bust!"
Brandon Jennings gets the Arena to crash out over his Jayson Tatum take 🤬 pic.twitter.com/bwuEleCRB4
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) January 5, 2025
Tatum, known for letting his game do the talking, opted for a rare social media response. He posted a series of personal highlights on Instagram with a caption mocking Jennings’ words: “SoFtesT SuPeRstar in CeLtiC HiStoRy,” complete with a laughing emoji. The post instantly went viral, drawing support from fans and teammates alike.
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:DEloYMvgMXV
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla also weighed in, responding with his signature humor during an interview on Zolak & Bertrand. Referencing his hypothetical “five-coin combat system,” Mazzulla joked that Jennings’ criticism warranted using one of those coins for a challenge.
Tatum’s impressive resume backs up Mazzulla’s defense. At just 26 years old, the Celtics star has already racked up five All-Star appearances, three First-Team All-NBA selections, and two Olympic gold medals. He led Boston in points, rebounds, and assists during their 2024 playoff run, solidifying his place as one of the league’s elite players. Mazzulla emphasized that external opinions, especially from former players, have no bearing on Tatum’s career trajectory or his standing in the league.
Interestingly, Jennings seemed to relish the response from Tatum. He liked the Instagram post and commented, “This the energy I want,” suggesting his initial critique might have been calculated to fuel the Celtics star. Whether genuine criticism or strategic provocation, Jennings’ comments have undoubtedly created a narrative around Tatum’s upcoming performances.
Tatum’s ability to handle criticism with grace and humor reflects his maturity and leadership. Instead of letting Jennings’ comments derail him, Tatum turned the moment into an opportunity to motivate himself and his team. As the Celtics gear up for their next games, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Tatum channels this energy into dominant performances.
Ultimately, the exchange serves as a reminder of the evolving dynamic between current and former NBA players in the age of social media. For Tatum, the best response to Jennings will come not through Instagram captions but in his continued excellence on the court.
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