Jayson Tatum is finally a champion. Throughout the regular season, the 26-year-old was harshly criticized despite the Boston Celtics having the best record in the league. That didn’t stop in the playoffs as well. After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 to clinch the title, Tatum has a message for his haters, with a little help from Michael Jordan‘s brand.

Speaking through the Jordan Brand, Tatum thanked his haters and said, “They all have plenty to say. ‘I don’t have what it takes. That I’m not it. That I can’t lead. Can’t close. Can’t win it all.’ Well, maybe, they’ll stop talking now. Then again, maybe it’s best they don’t.”

The post on Jumpman’s official Instagram post read, “NBA Champion @jaytatum0 would like to thank all the haters out there. Keep it coming.”

Despite Boston’s success, Tatum has remained under the microscope. Numerous continued to thrash him for not showing his best performance throughout the season. The 5x NBA All-star scored 31 points in Game 3, however, was criticized for not making more than 20 in the others. While Jalen Brunson won the 2024 Finals MVP, Tatum has also been instrumental in the Celtics’ victory. 

Jayson Tatum celebrates win with Jordan Brand

Tatum made it to the Finals twice and the Eastern Conference Finals five times. Finally, he is indeed at the “top of the mountain.” And fittingly with Jumpman. After all, Tatum’s relationship with the brand has for 5 years back in 2019. Rui Hachimura also joined the brand around the same time.

In 2023, the brand launched the player’s signature shoes, Tatum 1. Going into 2024, he gained a reputation as the face of the brand. This year, he launched his second signature shoe, Tatum 2s. “I still can’t believe I got my first signature shoe, and now that I’m on my second signature shoe, the inner kid in me comes out because I’m living out my dream in real time,” Tatum said in a conversation with Boardroom.

“These last 7 years have been a roller coaster. Up and down, I had to listen to all the s**t that people said about me, and tonight it was worth it,” Tatum said after the game. Overcoming all the criticism and hate, Tatum stands strong with his Celtics Squad winning a record 18th NBA championship. It was a memorable night for both the Celtics and as well as the fans.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.