The Boston Celtics captured their 18th NBA championship last season, ending a 16-year title drought. Jayson Tatum was instrumental in that run, leading the team alongside Jaylen Brown. Reflecting on the forward’s place in the league since that triumph, Dwyane Wade offered his perspective.
Speaking on his podcast The Why, where 2008 champion with the Celtics Rajon Rondo was a guest, Wade discussed what it means to win an NBA title and then gear up to chase another. “Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown got that,” said the Miami Heat legend.
“They finally got it after being there so many years. And one of the worst things that happened to the league is that Jayson Tatum was kind of (expletive) on a little bit,” said Dwyane, making it clear he feels the Boston star hasn’t received the recognition he deserves.
“Normally when you win the championship, it’s like, OK, flowers, everything’s great, now I can relax, put my hair down,” the three-time NBA champion with the Heat explained. “He wasn’t granted that. He coming back with a chip. That’s tough for a guy who knows how to win, that’s done it before, who has a chip on his shoulder.”
Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena.
Another NBA icon speaks on Jayson Tatum
Just a few weeks ago, another NBA icon, Celtics legend Paul Pierce, voiced a similar opinion about the lack of recognition Jayson Tatum receives. “He’s probably the most disrespected superstar in our league… Look what they did to him at the Olympics,” said the 2008 champion.
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Tatum’s limited role during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also drew criticism. Team USA coach Steve Kerr didn’t prioritize him despite Jayson being one of the league’s top stars the previous season, something that raised eyebrows across the basketball world.
Jayson Tatum’s NBA recognition
When asked whether he feels he gets the attention he deserves for his impact on the league, Jayson Tatum offered a brutally honest response about NBA recognition. “Honestly, no,” Tatum said during an interview with The Washington Post. “If you took the name and the face away from all my accomplishments and you’re just like, ‘This is what this Player A accomplished at 26,’ people would talk about me a lot differently.”
