As Jayson Tatum continues to thrive during what could be one of the best seasons of his career, Paul Pierce has spoken out about the lack of respect he believes Tatum gets in the league.
In an interview with NBC Sports Boston, Pierce, a former Boston Celtics legend, discussed the driving force behind Tatum’s exceptional performance this season. The 10-time All-Star believes Tatum’s constant underappreciation fuels his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit.
“He’s probably the most disrespected superstar in our league,” Pierce said, via Brian Robb of masslive.com. “When I watch Tatum on and off the court, he’s humble, he works hard.”
Tatum, 27, is coming off a championship year and currently leads the Celtics in multiple categories. His performance this season has only strengthened his case as one of the best players in the NBA. Averaging 26.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, Tatum is showing no signs of slowing down.
With the Celtics holding a 57-20 record and securing second place in the Eastern Conference, his presence has been integral to their success.
Pierce, who has had the opportunity to watch Tatum train in Los Angeles each year, noted the young star’s unwavering commitment to the game. “I have a chance to watch him workout in LA every year, he loves the game,” Pierce shared. “He has something to play for.”
While Tatum’s on-court success is undeniable, Pierce pointed to the outside criticism that continues to surround the Celtics forward. “Look what they did to him at the Olympics,” Pierce remarked, referencing Tatum’s role on Team USA during the Paris Olympics, where he didn’t receive the same level of recognition as other stars.
Pierce’s comments reflect the broader narrative that has followed Tatum throughout his career. Despite being a perennial All-Star and leading the Celtics to the 2024 NBA Championship, many critics still seem to find reasons to doubt Tatum’s place among the elite players of the league. Pierce believes this disregard for Tatum’s greatness is unjust, especially when considering his accomplishments. “Year in and year out, he’s first-team All-NBA, he won a championship, and then there’s something else,” Pierce explained.
As one of the most accomplished Celtics players in history, Pierce knows a thing or two about dealing with outside noise and criticism. His admiration for Tatum is clear, and he firmly believes that the 27-year-old is only getting better.
