Jayson Tatum, a five-time NBA All-Star, gave back-to-back dominating performances for the Boston Celtics in the 2023-24 NBA season that led his team to clinch their 18th title. Tatum got no rest in the offseason as the 26-year-old forward was selected to play for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tatum is one of many athletes who have signed contracts with the legendary player Michael Jordan’s brand. The five-time NBA All-Star spoke about his relationship with Jordan during a recent podcast episode at 7 PM in Brooklyn. Tatum recounted a moment when he called Jordan to ask, “What is it like being in the Finals?” During their conversation, Tatum asked Jordan about his experience playing in the NBA Finals, and they had a long discussion that day.
“We’ve been locked in, and that’s another person that I would text, I will call. I remember that right before my first time going to the Finals, we got to San Francisco, and I called him. I was like, ‘Yo, like, how’s this going to be like? What is it like being in the Finals? ‘What should I expect? We talked for a long time, and he’s somebody who will text me after games and whatever. I got his name on my phone, and it was Uncle Mike, so that’s my man.” Tatum said.
Tatum’s Unforgettable First Encounter with the Jordan Brand
Tatum joined the Jordan brand in 2019, and the legendary player’s brand released Tatum’s first shoe in 2023. The 2024 NBA champion recalled his first introduction to the Jordan brand. Tatum further explained his state of mind when meeting the legend, mentioning that he was nervous and sweating a lot during their encounter.
“This was back in 2019 when we were in Paris. That’s when I first got introduced to the brand. It’s when I first signed with him. We were at an event, and there were a bunch of media members out there. He was on the mic, and he called me out. We took a photo, and he was like, we just signed Jayson Tatum. That was crazy.” Tatum added.
We had dinner that night, and I remember I was nervous. I got there a little early before everybody else. He and his wife, Spike Lee, were all sitting at a table across the room. I was there with my mom, and she was like, ‘Just go say what’s up. They invited you out here. My hands were sweating. My ass was sweating. I get up and I’m like, ‘Mike what up.’ The wine glass was there, and, boom, I just knocked it over, and it broke. He was good about it. He just said, ‘Go back over there. You good.” Tatum continued.
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Jayson Tatum has already achieved great success in his professional career. He dominated the 2023-24 season, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 74 games. Recently, the Celtics star player achieved another milestone by becoming the cover athlete for NBA 2k25 in two different editions.
