Former NBA player sends clear Jayson Tatum message about championship win

Ivan White

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Former NBA player sends clear Jayson Tatum message about championship win image

The defending champions are looking to go back-to-back, and their star is looking for some well-deserved recognition.

Over the past couple of seasons, the Boston Celtics have been near the top of the NBA standings. After winning a championship in 2024, the Celtics have looked as poised as any team in recent history to repeat.

While no team has won consecutive championships since the Golden State Warriors with Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, the Celtics might have the formula to do it. Once again, the Celtics are a popular pick to win it all, and former NBA guard Quentin Richardson is among the many who expect Boston to raise another banner.

He made his prediction on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN on Wednesday and had plenty to say about his pick. Along with making his pick for 2025, Richardson was clear about how he felt Jayson Tatum was disrespected after winning his first ring.

“I’ve been around guys in the summertime after they won a championship,” Richardson said. “That’s their victory lap. The whole narrative took and ruined Jayson Tatum’s victory lap.”

Richardson continued to explain how Tatum’s win in the NBA Finals was tainted by some because of the criticisms around his run. Although Jaylen Brown won MVPs in the conference finals and finals, Tatum was massive in Boston’s playoff journey.

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Brown’s win should have been an example of how great the Celtics were and how much firepower they have, particularly at the top. Instead, Richardson felt that Tatum was unfairly scrutinized for his performance.

Since arriving in Boston, Tatum has done nothing but prove that he is one of the best in the league. This season marks Tatum’s sixth straight All-Star nod and fifth straight year averaging at least 25 points. Add in that he will almost certainly make his fourth consecutive appearance on the All-NBA First Team, and there is no denying that Tatum is easily one of the best in basketball.

While he has been the subject of sometimes unfair criticism throughout his career, Tatum will have another chance to prove his doubters wrong if Boston can make another deep run.

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Ivan White

Ivan White is a freelance NBA writer with The Sporting News. A 2024 Oklahoma State graduate, he has written about the NBA and college sports for various outlets throughout his career.