Jayson Tatum speaks to NBA media on “Starting 5” on Netflix

Jayson Tatum was one of five NBA players chosen to star in the hit Netflix series “Starting 5.” The show has provided a glimpse into the lives and seasons of some of the NBA’s best players. Therefore, these players’ perspectives have revealed a wealth of new information. For Jayson Tatum, the series showcased his close relationship with his son and the Celtics’ path to the NBA Finals, but more interestingly, the series revealed Tatum’s thoughts on dealing with constant criticism and doubt from the NBA media.

Jayson Tatum on the NBA Finals

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

Many NBA media personalities picked the Dallas Mavericks, calling them a surprise or a hot prospect. But if enough people give a hot take, then it’s no longer a hot take. So many figures predicted the Dallas Mavericks that it motivated Tatum and the Celtics. Tatum said: “I think it felt good to be the underdog. For the first time in a long time.” The Boston Celtics used this motivation to convincingly win the series in five games. Before the fifth game, Tatum said: “We’re not losing. “I’m giving it my all tonight to win… And I did.” In game five, Tatum scored 31 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists to help Boston win its 18th championship.

The Boston Celtics were dominant throughout the regular season and playoffs, and while the Dallas Mavericks were a very good team that made it out of a highly competitive Western Conference, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics still felt disrespected by the media. So many people predicted the Dallas Mavericks would win, and it was no longer a hot idea. When the Celtics actually won, the same people claimed that the Celtics had an easy way. It’s a strange, hypocritical thing. One bright spot, however, is that it inspired Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics and gave them more fuel to win the NBA Finals.

Jayson Tatum is facing criticism

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

In typical Joe Mazzulla fashion, he sees the criticism as a good thing. But he’s right that it’s the ultimate compliment for Jayson Tatum and his abilities. Tatum wouldn’t have faced this much backlash if he wasn’t one of the best players in the NBA. That’s why he was one of the five players chosen to star in the Netflix series “Starting 5” and is a constant topic of conversation in the NBA media.

Final thoughts

The Netflix series “Starting 5” provides an exclusive look into the lives and seasons of NBA players. Jayson Tatum was one of those players and fans got a glimpse of the Celtics star. Tatum addressed some of the doubts he faces from the NBA media and how he handles the criticism. It’s a compliment to the play of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum, and if he continues to keep a good attitude, things will continue to improve.