Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was recently the subject of debate between former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Brandon Jennings. The former Milwaukee Bucks player criticized Tatum, saying he is the “softest” Celtics star in the history of the NBA.
In an episode of the “Gil’s Arena” podcast that also had another former NBA player in Nick Young, Jennings said JT’s teammate, 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, posed more of a threat than him.
“Is [Jayson Tatum] the softest Boston Celtics superstar ever?” Jennings asked. “I think I’ll be more afraid of Jaylen Brown than Jayson Tatum.”
Young agreed to the sentiment, saying that Tatum’s game is too quiet. He added that the Celtics forward/guard lacks tenacity and intensity on the court, suggesting that he should try to be more aggressive and live up to his superstar status.
Arenas, meanwhile, defended JT as he disagreed with both Jennings and Young. Arenas cited the five-=time NBA All-Star’s averages as evidence that he can also be a force to be reckoned with on the court.
“Whoever saying he’s soft… that’s a soft a** 28 points per game he’s averaging. Go on out there and get your head bust!”
BJ: “Is [Jayson Tatum] the softest Boston Celtics superstar ever?”
Gil: “Whoever saying he’s soft… that’s a soft ass 28ppg he’s averaging. Go on out there and get your head bust!”
Brandon Jennings gets the Arena to crash out over his Jayson Tatum take 🤬 pic.twitter.com/bwuEleCRB4
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) January 5, 2025
Jayson Tatum recorded a double-double against Thunder
On Sunday, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics took on the Oklahoma City Thunder in what would be a battle between the two current best teams in the NBA this season. The match ended with the Thunder securing a 105-92 victory over the Celtics.
While Brandon Jennings called Tatum the “softest Celtics superstar ever,” Gilbert Arenas believed otherwise, saying he is one of the most dominant players in the team’s history. JT’s performance on Sunday backed Arenas’ opinion of him.
Tatum recorded a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds coupled with two steals as he tried to silence the Thunder. He was the team’s top scorer and rebounder that night, but his efforts could not overcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s hardwood onslaught.
SGA finished the game with 33 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks to claim the victory. Jaylen Brown supported Tatum with his 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, but the Thunder still roared loudly.
On Tuesday night, Boston will next face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, a team that has found its rhythm as of late. Tatum and company will look to bounce back and return to their winning ways.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.