Jayson Tatum Addresses NBA Media on Netflix’s 'Starting 5'

Jayson Tatum was one of the five NBA players chosen to star in the hit Netflix series, “Starting 5”. The show has given an inside look into the lives and seasons of some of the best players in the NBA. Therefore, these players’ perspectives have revealed an abundance of new information. For Jayson Tatum, the series has shown his close relationship with his son and the Celtics’ journey to the NBA Finals, but, more interestingly, the show has revealed Tatum’s thoughts on handling constant criticism and doubt from the NBA media.

Jayson Tatum on the NBA Finals

Jayson Tatum spoke about one aspect of the NBA media: their predictions for the NBA Finals. The show showed many clips from NBA analysts and television personalities predicting the Dallas Mavericks would defeat the Boston Celtics. Some names include Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen A. Smith, and Collin Cowherd. Jayson Tatum gave his thoughts, saying, “People have their own opinions. I didn’t understand why… I didn’t know if, for lack of a better term, they were, like, trolling.”

Many NBA media personalities picked the Dallas Mavericks and framed it as an upset or a hot take. But if enough people give a hot take, then it is no longer a hot take. So many personalities predicted the Dallas Mavericks that it motivated Tatum and the Celtics. Tatum said, “I guess it felt good to be the underdog. First time in a while.” The Boston Celtics used that motivation to convincingly win the series in five games. Going into game five, Tatum said, “We’re not losing. I’m doing everything it takes to win tonight… And I did that.” In game five, Tatum had 31 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists to help Boston win their 18th championship.

The Boston Celtics were dominant throughout the regular season and the playoffs, and while the Dallas Mavericks were a very good team that made it out of a competitive Western Conference, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics still felt disrespected by the media. So many people predicted that the Dallas Mavericks would win, and it was no longer a hot take. When the Celtics did win, these same people claimed that the Celtics had an easy path. It is an odd, hypocritical thing. However, a silver lining is that it inspired Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics, giving them more fuel to win the NBA Finals.

Jayson Tatum Facing Criticism

Jayson Tatum is a player who faces extensive backlash from the NBA media. He has high expectations and no matter what the Boston Celtics do, Tatum’s name is always brought up. The Boston Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla, was interviewed on the show and gave his opinion. The interviewer said, “It seems to me that Jayson has to deal with unfair criticism.” Mazzulla interjected with, “He gets to deal with it. It’s the ultimate compliment.”

In typical Joe Mazzulla fashion, he views the criticism as a good thing. But he is right that it is the ultimate compliment to Jayson Tatum and his ability. Tatum would not have faced so much backlash if he had not been one of the best players in the NBA. It’s the reason he was one of the five players chosen to star in Netflix’s “Starting 5” and is a constant talking point in the NBA media.

Final Thoughts

The Netflix series “Starting 5” has given an exclusive look into the lives and seasons of NBA players. Jayson Tatum was one of these players, and fans got an inside perspective of the Celtics’ star. Tatum addressed some of the doubts he faces from NBA media and how he deals with the criticism. It is a compliment to the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum’s game, and if he continues to keep a good mindset, then things will continue to improve.