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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with his son after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks after game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with his son after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks after game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
The narrative is complete. Boston were the favorites to win this season’s Championship, and they made good on their word. Despite it all, Jayson Tatum often found himself on the receiving end of much hate and scrutiny. All the hate talk and dissection had been part of his life since his entry into the league. Of course, when you are young and just making your way through the NBA, it would have cut deep. But as soon as you realize it is one of the lesser-focus aspects of being a star athlete, you learn to let go and prioritize the more important things. Like a ring. Which Tatum finally got as the Cs won 106-88 vs Dallas in a 4-1 series.
However, during his post-game presser, JT did not fail to bring this subject up. The hate affected his family more than him. More importantly, his mother, Brandy Cole, and son, Deuce. “The last seven years have been a roller-coaster. I had to listen to all the s**t people said about me. Now it’s done,“ Tatum asserted. Yes, it is done. Joining an esteemed franchise like the Celtics in itself is a pressure. To end up being the leading figure and face at such a young age does not, by any means, lessen the load, either.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with his son after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks after game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
The weight on his shoulders, to follow the footsteps of legends before him, had Jayson Tatum in a bind. Unfortunately, the kind of words and comments directed at him seem to have bothered his mom. During the Finals media day on Wednesday at TD Garden, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe asked Tatum what he felt about being dubbed the “Most Scrutinized Player”. “I think more so than me, it’s my mom, my grandma, family, and friends.
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“They’re more bothered by it than me,” he had answered Washburn, about some of the most ridiculous claims that had been placed on him. In fact, he understood why his mom would be more affected. Jayson Tatum was a parent himself, after all. “My mom took it tougher than I did. I don’t take it personally. It was a long break without NBA basketball so they had to over-analyze every little thing,” he concluded. So, how did the shiny new NBA champion cope with it all? To reach a level where he could easily shrug it off?
Jayson Tatum revealed his ultimate support system amidst all the naysayers and haters!
Haters gonna hate, hate, hate. Taylor Swift couldn’t be more right. Then again, the global sensation has been right on many subjects. And it would seem like this is something Jayson Tatum also lives by. But he has a solid support system at home. And more importantly, in his little boy, Deuce Tatum. After taking a 3-0 lead vs Dallas, the 5x All-Star sat down for an exclusive interview with Bleacher Report. During the chat, he revealed the one person that helped him stay focused. “When I see him, he doesn’t care about none of this s**t. He just wants to hang out with Dad.“
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Yup! As far as Tatum Jr. is concerned, at the end of the day, Jayson is his father. Whether he won or lost isn’t something the little boy is worried about. However, Deuce is his dad’s biggest fan, too. While the rest of his teammates were busy popping champagne and running around partying, the father-son duo were pictured together soaking in all the emotions. Well, at least Jayson was, while his 6-year-old was seemingly trying to shield himself from the champagne flying around with goggles.
Those who watched the presentation ceremony today witnessed a wholesome moment between Tatum and his son. The Celtics’ star had his face covered as it rained confetti at TD Garden. He was in tears. Well, everybody in green was in tears. That’s when Deuce came running into the frame and shouted, “Daddy!”. JT immediately turned around and lifted his son!
So, considering her son just reached the ultimate goal of any NBA athlete, Brandy wouldn’t have to worry about all the negativity. Don’t you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.