“I Get Mad at [Jayson] Tatum Sometimes”: Charles Barkley Ticked Off by Celtics Superstar’s Bad Habit

Shooters shoot, that was the motto for Jayson Tatum today in his game against the Phoenix Suns. The Boston Celtics forward proved once again why he deserves the MVP chants with a stellar shooting to blow Kevin Durant and Co. away. Notably, he nearly had a full score on his FG% and that gave the Celtics an upper edge in the first half. However, Charles Barkley managed to find a small flaw in his game, which made him a bit mad on live TV. 

The Philadelphia 76ers legend first gave Tatum his flowers. Charles Barkley said, “These two guys [Tatum & Brown], man if they just dominate like they are tonight, nobody is going to beat this team”. However, he finds Tatum’s shot-making to be a bit troublesome. CB continued, “I get mad at Tatum sometimes. He got that imposture and will man, you can’t just let a little man guard you. I think he is selling too much for fadeaway jumpers sometimes and that’s why they are always streaky, especially from the 3-point line.”

As the highlights played in the background, Barkley added, “Look at these shots he is taking, Kenny. Those are hard shots!”. However, the 26-year-old forward made all of these contested shots. He went 9/11 from the field to drop 23 points in the first half alone. So, do you think Barkley is right, or should Tatum continue with his game style? 

Read more: “House Was Already on Fire”: Charles Barkley Pinpoints Jayson Tatum’s Struggle After Celtics Fail vs Joel Embiid’s 76ers

Regardless of the flaw Charles Barkley mentioned, the Celtics are at the top of the table, 6 wins above the defending champion, who are the best in the West right now. But what’s to be noted here is how Jayson Tatum is favored by the Celtics’ supporting cast. 

Does Jayson Tatum have the leverage to make a mistake despite having huge responsibility? 

The Celtics are in 10th place this season for the best FG%. However, they have attempted 90.2 field goals. This shows how efficient and deadly the Celtics are. Tatum has indeed contributed to this, but at times he has delivered a few underwhelming performances too. Anyhow, in a team full of stars like Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White, Tatum has the freedom to make mistakes and grow. He can take contested shots without any hesitation. 

In case he does not find his rhythm, the rest of the team is here to take over. This happened once a few days back when the Celtics faced the Suns for the first time. Tatum shot a low 40% from the field, missing most of his shots in the second half. However, Brown, Holiday, and White covered up for him. The 26-year-old himself agreed, “I’m thankful I got great teammates ’cause I stunk it up tonight.”

Well, this proves why Tatum has leverage with the current Celtics roster. After all, it’s an advantage for him. What are your thoughts?

Read more: Charles Barkley Blows His Top on Jayson Tatum’s Bold Declaration After Nuggets Humbling