The Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum claimed the first-ever NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP in 2022. However, he has yet to secure an NBA Finals MVP in his career. While Tatum helped lead the Celtics to a championship last season, his teammate Jaylen Brown earned the Finals MVP honors.
This has become a focal point for criticism, particularly from former NBA player Brandon Jennings. Jennings recently labeled Tatum as the “softest player in Celtics history” for not securing a Finals MVP.
During a Lakers-Spurs watch party on the Gil’s Arena Playback stream, a framed Jayson Tatum jersey hanging on the wall of streamer Legend Of Winning became the topic of conversation. Jennings seized the moment to reiterate his disdain for Tatum, insisting that the jersey should not be displayed until Tatum wins a Finals MVP.
“You need to take down that #0 jersey ‘til he gets a Final MVP. Go put that in a closet,” Jennings said.
Brandon Jennings on Jayson Tatum’s championship:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 14, 2025
“Go put that s*** in the closet until you win Finals MVP.”
(h/t @LegendOfWinning) pic.twitter.com/xQ832apg2h
NBA fans, however, were quick to come to Tatum’s defense. Many questioned Jennings’ authority to critique Tatum’s career. They pointed out that Jennings never achieved significant accolades during his time in the league to criticize Tatum this way.
Someone go look up Brandon Jennings accomplishments for me.
— Ant ☘️🏀 (@GangCeltics) January 14, 2025
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I usually diss Jayson Tatum but I won’t do that now coz wtf has this Brandon Jennings achieved in the NBA to speak like this?!
— JBond (@jbondwagon) January 14, 2025
Where did this Brandon Jennings hate for Jayson Tatum come from? It seems very forced and makes no sense.
— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@_SchuZ_) January 14, 2025
LOL. Since when did something Brandon Jennings say, actually matter?
— Rishi Mirpuri (@rishimirp) January 14, 2025
Tatum was already better in his second year than he ever was.
I mean…… thats valid but I just wish someone else would have said this and the “softest celtic” comment. Cuz what have you done, Brandon Jennings?
— NumbersLie (@NumbersLie_) January 14, 2025
Brandon Jennings Questions Jayson Tatum’s Place Among Celtics Greats
On the recent episode of the Gil’s Arena podcast, Brandon Jennings also shared his thoughts on the all-time top five Boston Celtics players. Unsurprisingly, Jennings excluded Jayson Tatum from his list.
“We got Bill Russell, we got Paul Pierce, we got Kevin McHale, we got Larry Bird, and we got fu**** Kevin Garnett,” Jennings said.
Tatum did not remain quiet about Jennings’ earlier comment and answered his criticism in a post-game press conference and on social media. Fans are now waiting to see if Tatum will address this latest comment. Whether through words or actions on the court, Tatum has an opportunity to silence his critics.
Also Read: Is Jayson Tatum Playing Tonight Against The Toronto Raptors? Latest Injury Update On Celtics Star
