Feb 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) catches a pass against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

4x NBA All-Star Makes Strong Jayson Tatum Statement

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 3:11 PM ET

The Boston Celtics finally got over the hump in their era under Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, winning the 2024 NBA Finals over the Dallas Mavericks to capture an NBA-best 18th NBA Championship in the process. So far through the 2024-25 season, it looks as if the Celtics will be in a prime position to contend for back-to-back titles in this year's playoffs.

A big reason for their chances being his to repeat is the play of Tatum, who has elevated his game this season. As of Monday, he's averaging 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, looking well on his way to another All-NBA First-Team selection. Regardless, Tatum continues to see disrespect online from fans. According to former New Orleans Pelicans star DeMarcus Cousins, he thinks differently.

"I just don't understand the hate that Jayson Tatum continues to receive."@BoogieCousins thinks Tatum should be considered an all-time great. Do you agree?@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/HcudlOBy4v
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 24, 2025

"This has been a guy that's won since he stepped foot in the league," Cousins shared on FanDuel TV's Run It Back about Tatum. "I don't even understand the negativity that floats around his name. I don't get it. I don't see the perspective that everybody else sees. This kid has been nothing but great."

Following his performance in the NBA Finals, where Brown won the Finals MVP trophy over him, criticism around Tatum started to really ramp up during the 2024 Summer Olympics with Team USA after not receiving much playing time during the gold medal run.

Jayson Tatum is 57 points away from passing Wilt Chamberlain in total points scored before turning 27

(@statmuse) pic.twitter.com/PC5rsJcXwf
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) February 24, 2025

However, Tatum's play on the court speaks for itself, as he's one of the best 10 players in the league and has a chance to cement his legacy among Celtics greats with an NBA Finals victory in 2025.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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