FIRST LOOK: Jayson Tatum Addresses Criticism | Up Close with Sage Steele | ESPN+

In a new episode of “Up Close with Sage Steele,” Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum addresses critiques about his leadership style. Full episode streaming now on ESPN+
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[@chikaw0ng]

I have so much respect for him, his humbleness, his maturity, you are watching greatness at it's finest.

[@ClutchPoints]

Tatum is the future of the league, give him some time.

[@user-ul6iu1cd4p]

Weird way to spell Anthony Edwards

[@tommyharper3313]

I think it’s Luka Doncic, but Tatum is the best player in the NBA right now

[@Nickpayne2430]

🧢

[@M3333C]

@@user-ul6iu1cd4p Dont think Ant can be as good as Tatum can be. Ant's ceiling is like Paul George

[@basedangel7230]

Overrated

[@junstill]

This guy is becoming more and more mature and playing in the right way.

[@jaysonjaylen]

Dude is ridiculously mature. Everything above the shoulders is championship-capable, and his skillset is getting right up there as well

[@dariuslynard158]

Looking forward to seeing Jayson and Jaylen prove people wrong and mesh together while going far in the postseason.

[@wyattworld47]

They’ve already gone far in the postseason as the two best players. They still don’t mesh

[@dariuslynard158]

@@wyattworld47 Kyrie was gonna displace them by coming back after that 2018 run. With Kemba in 2020 he had control over a lot more of the possessions. This year they are literally the only Go-to guys. Jaylen has been in and out but it's going to take time with a first year head coach and the offense looking super iso heavy so far.

[@wyattworld47]

@@dariuslynard158 their point guards are still handling the ball heavy but Tatum is definitely improving as a playmaker and there’s reason to believe he can average 6-7 assists in his prime. Most of the fans critiquing this process would feel a lot better about the multiyear plan if JB and JT didn’t seem so soft and uninterested in winning when speaking with media. Neither of them are killers

[@dariuslynard158]

@@wyattworld47 The current point guards are not offensive options ahead of the Jays. Jayson doesn't have any shooters to pass to outside of Grant Williams. I believe his playmaking is developing but he and JB need a better around them. If Jayson is "soft" and getting 30 points in 5 straight games then I guess it's not an issue. JB doesn't play soft either he's coming back from a hamstring injury. Man has dunks on LeBron, Embiid and Giannis soft players don't do that.

[@wyattworld47]

@@dariuslynard158 nah soft is a mentality as applied to doing everything necessary to win. Carmelo is amazing- he’s still soft. Boston is about rings, not highlights. Tatum has a Carmelo personality and doesn’t look like he can be the best player on a chip team. Listen to the interview again lol it’s so soft it’s disgusting

[@aa6973]

24 yrs old and he's a top 4 wing.. some of yall hate for sport.. 99% of ppl hating on him would 100% love a talent like Tatum..

[@cameronbolden5064]

Top 4 dude what are you smoking

[@gyoyobw123]

@@cameronbolden5064 What are you smoking if you don't think he is

[@cameronbolden5064]

@@gyoyobw123 just off the top of my head kd bron pg13 the claw jimmy buckets that’s 5

[@gyoyobw123]

@@cameronbolden5064 PG and Jimmy aren't better than Tatum

[@cameronbolden5064]

@@gyoyobw123 lmao dude come on jimmy is a Toss up il give you but pg is better and if I wanted I could throw doncic in there too

[@DiamondMamba]

Future MVP🐐🏆

[@zainulabedin7320]

Anyone who says JT doesn't pass the ball doesn't watch the Celtics games. I am a Cs fan and I have seen him create opportunities night after night but our other guys don't score. Eventually the other guys will figure it out and shots will go in and then everyone will give JT the props when in reality his playmaking has improved already.

[@St_1786]

Naw..yo...His passes almost NEVER go to his teamates hands...off left 2-3 ft...at forehead..at ankles..junk skilled there.. See he trying tho~ His bigger issues are ZERO hustle on fast breaks....for years now..Pitiful Traahboat ball...And lack of grit and court awareness...Rebounding...Watch..He gets lower bodied out by bigs and guards. ~ Would be something if he would consider helping a teamate up off the floor. Yeah...Clueless...Except when only trying to score...oh yeah..assist attempts..What ever to have a shot at all star trashtis

[@wyattworld47]

His passing is improving big time. He still sounds like soft whiney child in pressers and doesn’t hustle back on D if he doesn’t get a call. This interview is more soft sht

[@zainulabedin7320]

@@wyattworld47 clearly you don't know what is soft and what isn't. Calling an interview soft because the guy is opening up. Your take is absolutely pathetic.

[@wyattworld47]

@@zainulabedin7320 wrong again lololol

[@w8ethan]

Notice how the ppl who critique JT and JB for being selfish players or how those two hate each other are mostly coming from other fan bases or executives from opposing teams and why is this? It’s because all 29 other franchises would trade an arm and leg to have either Tatum and brown or one or the other on their team they all know how good they are and what they can add to their teams so they build these narratives to destroy the Celtics from within

[@JC-hl2ho]

Instant gratification generation expects him to just win everything asap. Yup he made it to ECF already, but dude is young! Let him ball out and see where it takes him in time

[@DrPhuelgoud3]

It’s crazy how people think this young man isn’t a leader lol like come on, look at the way he loves his son that’s the biggest leadership role ever

[@777DonMakaveli777]

Lmao so now loving your son means you’re a great leader in basketball?

[@omgilovebtr1]

@Art A Maybe not necessarily a direct correlation, but OP may be saying that by being a great father and role model to your son you can develop leadership tendencies. Idk tho I'm high

[@youremadrightnow1742]

@@777DonMakaveli777 better leader than lebron

[@MrSuperman957]

@@youremadrightnow1742 No, not even close. I am not a LeBron fan but that's just disrespectful. LeBron was the leader in four Championship teams

[@Nicolas815]

@@MrSuperman957 lefraud got carried sadly

[@manke7830]

Go tell Kawhi he's not vocal enough. You won't. Cause every individual has his own style of leadership and communication. The fact that Kawhi won a chip stresses that even more.

[@simonfernandes6158]

kawhi isn't vocal at all and didn't actually lead any of the teams he won championships on tho... He played outstanding but both times he won a chip the team was lead by someone else (Duncan/Parker and Lowry)

[@coltonkrum6491]

@@simonfernandes6158 Lowry was the "loud" leader, being that he was the floor general and had the best chemistry. Kawhi was the "quiet" leader- the one all of his teammates got inspired bye. Kawhi made them want to fight, and showed them how to get things done. Kawhi was the guy they would always try to get the ball to in big moments. Kawhi was the guy that always came through. Kawhi is just as much a leader as Lowry, just different styles.

[@nbanewsandtruth7755]

I think the league has gotten better. The hawks made the eastern conference finals last season. Bulls have elevated, heat are always in it, charlotte getting better. We saw knicks improve last year. Suns improved as well and the warriors are back. Boston havent gotten better probably worse but the league is more competitive now.

[@martinbakal1503]

No question the Celtics got better. Just injuries to Brown slowed them down. Replacing Kemba with Schroeder makes you better. He is healthy and defends. Adding Horford makes you better. Richardson is a good player. Kanter as a 3rd center. Plus G Williams is in better shape, better shooter...

[@jay-jay8191]

It's also a young team Nesmith and PP need 4 shots before making one C's can't afford it, but they have to get minutes to improve. Many factors to the amount of turn over and it hurts. Bench is definitely better, I like what Ime has done to the team but he's bad at drawing up plays, it's worrisome during playoffs time specially.

[@sevendoubleodex]

no they’ve definitely got worse

[@martinbakal1503]

@Alex H I disagree. They just need health. Then guys like Richardson will be in their right roles. He isn't a creator but can knock down shots and defend. Their issue was Brown's injury meant there was no one to stagger with Tatum to generate baskets.

[@jay-jay8191]

Richardson has been very good, bench is definitely better. Their record doesn't show how good this team can be a lot of their lost is from close games in beginning of the season and due to Brown injury. Pritchard is played better lately hope it continues because Schroder is getting traded. Ime still work to do fixing bad habits starting with Tatum always has to walk the ball down instead of pushing it n run.

[@ninetytwodreams]

Tatum a real one.

[@bbouro]

You're at the big show now my boy! Let's go Celtics🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@cardslifer2828]

Tatum is a great player and people forget he's only 23. 5-6 years from now he'll be more experienced and know how to incorporate his teammates now.

[@chuckbarkley2755]

He’s 19 but facts

[@TheRacketter334]

@@chuckbarkley2755 hilarious

[@shomoy7396]

I think at that point lamelo and Anthony edwards is going to overtake him

[@TheRacketter334]

@@shomoy7396 definitely not overtake. They’ll all be superstars. Tatum will most likely be in his prime at 28.

[@davidjones2110]

Cards Lifer Tatum is a good player. He is too soft and only cares about his own brand to be a truly great player.

[@shooter5762]

We Better Never Trade Tatum!

[@WarriorsFanSince-ur3zu]

y'all. will

[@MephilesDaGlitch]

@@WarriorsFanSince-ur3zu Cap, Shut up goofy

[@BasketballZen]

NEVER!!!!!!

[@tammyalbert4862]

Love this young man, wishing you all the best Jayson. Let's Go Celtics!!

[@X-Horizon-24]

So glad the Boston Celtics drafted him he gonna be MVP soon Celtics all day 💪🏾

[@St_1786]

Until he hustles back to defense at least ONCE a game...Zero!!, shot at mvp

[@jzz9116]

@@St_1786 ah yes because mr hustle marcus smart is so good

[@St_1786]

@@jzz9116 Gives himself an opportunity to be considered " great". Not 20 years of ..thinking..he is great. Figuredealit

[@jzz9116]

@@St_1786 hes been great. Hes something like the celtics 5th highest ppg player and has loads of records already

[@St_1786]

@@jzz9116 Opinions..Yall got em. Facts..of the entirety of court play- limited.

[@craigwilliamson8167]

So glad he’s on my team!

[@alyssajordannasosa9471]

Finals bound now. Proud Celtic!☘️

[@anncultura3309]

Where to watch the full interview?

[@Hey_me]

Happy for this young man. I do wish he get a ring soon

[@sholovesholove4620]

Essentially he's saying 'dummies this isn't NBA 2K'

[@liverpool4883]

Beautiful series have a lot of respect for him

[@lafedenuestramadre.6152]

Just be yourself jay everything take time, keep working hard you will make it bro.

[@oz4eva]

I hope he knows its doesn't matter if we win or lose, we may not be healthy come playoff time sometimes, it's helped us and its hurt us. This is what the league is about, having already accomplished what he's accomplished at his age. With Jaylen's and Rob Williams' progression we're honored to witness their careers grow as celtics. Ime is a new coach who's already shown signs it and overall I'm slightly confident about our real chance if healthy every season. He's already the face of the league.

[@rajonrondo5404]

Is there a longer version of this somewhere ?

[@ChocoThunDuh]

Love you Jason Keeo ballin🔥🔥✌🏽

[@bigdawg4883]

Tatum is gone be the best player in the league soon

[@blacksheeq8667]

Man show your dad more love!!!!

[@yunglik915]

How can you find full video

[@pmodi1104]

He’s like a Paul George, he would be a great number 2 on a title team

[@peterbaini8752]

He shits all over PG dipshit

[@jimmyjumpa]

He’s a number 1 fo sure lol especially with the way he’s passing the ball now.

[@pmodi1104]

@@jimmyjumpa he proved me wrong.

[@jimmyjumpa]

@@pmodi1104 oh I know lol.

[@vithujansritharan734]

post the full video here ESPN

[@anncultura3309]

Where tp watch the whole episode?

[@samgreathu2030]

Tatum's barber needs a raise, too clean

[@raptorsxrockets4life525]

5 months later, he's in the NBA Finals, congrats Tatum

[@dantheman8152]

Tatum growing as a player

[@areurdytoparty]

So happy he's on the Celtics.

[@justinmohan7103]

Thanks Jason. I hope you can bring Banner 18 to Boston.

[@aviaforrester1481]

great!!! good luck Jayson!!!

[@jathawayv6064]

And Boston media don’t speak for Boston fans. Ima fan of the Cs and even on Tatum bad nights I know better than to ever lose faith in him ups and downs are a GIVEN in the league.

[@financiallyfrugal6171]

Class act for real

[@lafedenuestramadre.6152]

Just be yourself jay everything take time, keep working hard you will make it bro. Work on you outside shooting I think you will be more to enter to the rim easily and share the ball .

[@dontaviousdouglas2309]

My Guy 🖤🐐

[@kymiraboone4660]

I love JT! He’s awesome . Things will work out for him .

[@delstephen123]

that's my guy!!

[@vicdavidfigueroa4419]

When Boston wins and Tatum wins MVP. IT’S a beginning of a new ERA.

[@GregoryFergusson]

It's always great that players give interviews like these but they decline it all the time and thus, you have this: So they don't know you, but yeah I'm not the most vocal and I talk to my teammates all the time. In life, this will be done all the time for all kinds of things, stars or the "ordinary" ppl. I think many of the players have to really keep a psychologist in their staff/personal crew because it's a lot of exposure to deal with. Here he's addressing a criticism that he admits is true but then find it baffling that ppl get to make the statement when "they don't know you." Keep working, keep improving - learn from the greats and do what is necessary to win, on and off the court.

[@thetruthhurts1305]

You can't hate on this man... he's a class act... the only thing I can say about him is his inconsistencies. One game he'll give you 47 pts but the next 3 or 4 he'll barely average 20.. but I think with more maturity he'll clean that up

[@RiruKrypto_]

Not like Kobe didn't was the same, his teammates helped him win 2010 game 7 against the Celtics while he was struggling.

[@Tcasty344]

He's also 23 he's accomplished a lot all while learning to be an adult

[@THAtKid123410]

Team chemistry went up

[@ski8480]

tatums gonna win a championship one day for sure

[@paulg.dunphy1501]

and now he's got his first opportunity

[@daneladu]

Tatum isn’t in his prime yet, it’ll definitely be worth watching him while he’s developing into something great.

[@vithujansritharan734]

@espn you cant watch it in canada

[@lostyly]

Great talent.. Often plays small and needs work on playmaking.. Will develop more

[@Malagafisch97]

He plays the game the right way whats most important.. Rest will follow

[@jimmyjumpa]

Exactly what he said he’s not a KG type personality. He’s a silent killer.

[@thekingbradable]

Tatum is such a pretty boy lol. Ultra talented, but if he had Jaylen Brown’s mindset, he’d be the best player in the NBA.

[@Frank-nz1wr]

JBs mindset isnt the greatest either tbh, from a celtics fan, watching all the games, brown doesnt demand the ball the same on the court, but the offseason work and improvement is what tatum needs

[@ebenezerindi1766]

Not really lol. You won't be better than KD or Giannis with just a better mindset.

[@dalelaperche9085]

Tatum is literally only 23 give him some time

[@killpaleface3279]

My Favorite Hooper King JT Smoov

[@proverbs31woman31]

He is very articulate, it’s nice to hear an NBA player actually know how to talk.

[@ChocoThunDuh]

He’s just getting started

[@matthewvial5802]

best team in the NBA

[@westburns24]

We got your back ☘️☘️☘️

[@djtruedomination]

He is only 23. He is very young. It takes time to win.

[@jalves6494]

Tatum is a beast, his own fan base will run him out of town and he will win a championship elsewhere. I can see it from a mile away.

[@nolanfonseca6914]

It’s not the fan base it’s the Boston media

[@Roman-od9yb]

@@nolanfonseca6914 for real the fans love him but some 35 year old dude with a mic and 20 viewers complains about him

[@scruffd0g193]

Well it seems like the Celtics are really out of the Championship Bubble, Tatum is only 23 and will get better and better but I think as of now they are a team with one Superstar in Tatum and one Star in Brown and have a clear ceiling and that's a 2nd round playoff exit at best.

[@lloydbonafide3398]

Its just tough playing here bro. Philly, NY and boston will keep it 100 with u. The media and fans dont hold back. U gotta have tough skin. There was time brady (his age), david ortiz and paul pierce were getting critized by boston media. But yeah the fans appreciate the players but they will voice their frustration and opinions.

[@nolanfonseca6914]

@@scruffd0g193 that’s definitely the case right now. The two choices are trade for a third star guy now which is unlikely, or just sit back and wait for these two guys to hit their prime. Most of the great players who’ve won chips didn’t do so until they were like 27-28 years old.

[@GingerVisionHouse]

I feel like he didn't wanna talk to her for a single second. As far as leadership is concerned, Tatum gets the job done his way, for his team.

[@paul4nka]

💯💯

[@DarkOblideration]

Success of celtics doesn't just ride on tatum, not fair to pin it all on one player. jaylen brown is a big part of that and now that kemba got traded (stupid move), schroder is a big part of their success too and marcus smart. tatum can't carry a team in the east that's way too hard. glad jaylen back from injury. those 3 in at the same time is a dangerous team if schroder and tatum can stay consistent, which jaylen usually is

[@jonesgreen9942]

Imagine asking a 23yr old who still learning who he is as a person to lead a team. When KD Bron MJ Steph didn’t win championships until they were in there late 20s early 30s

[@hakimmohammed3910]

This dude is MVP level in 2 years max

[@seize3]

Not a hot take honestly and I'm a Sixers fan

[@bryan1687]

Cap Colin sexton will be mvp in 3-5 years

[@OnlyHTMRK]

@@bryan1687 😂😂

[@WarriorsFanSince-ur3zu]

na jok and giannis own him

[@Tony-wn2lq]

@@seize3 respect

[@Th3Don]

I was thinking the competition is crazy these days,any team can really beat any team not literally but most teams

[@jordanasia1203]

JT will win a championship someday with the Celtics, even if it's only 1 I will take it than those others that left to win for themselves. Salute Brother. ☘️💚

[@tonymontana9642]

He keep saying change that’s tuff where do y’all have Tatum going to ?

[@riyaandrayplay6856]

Sage may be one of the most beautiful humans ive ever seen. Holy

[@DarkOblideration]

People forget how young tatum is. dude looks older then he is. he's 23. so yah think about that if you even criticize his game he has a long time to go in this league if he doesn't get injured and he's already a huge offensive weapon in the clutch. he doesn't have to be uber aggressive everynight. even though we want him to and he'll dominate the paint if he does even more. but some players just aint that aggressive and dialed in. tatum turns it up 4th quarter, like steph.

[@arieelochoa1156]

NBA champion 2022

[@JamesBond-bb4xb]

Hate how they love to do personal features when they want but don't provide same type of indepth coverage for life and death issues in our community.

[@zachl2084]

Its a sports network... They cover sports

[@financiallyfrugal6171]

His first sentence is exactly what Lebron James said in an interview in this league of today you have to go above an beyond “ the league is that talented”

[@jarrelljackson4328]

Ion care what nobody say Tatum and Ingram is the true future of the NBA….. their maturity and skill set will take them far in the league

[@bigdaddymasa7520]

Stop hating on the players it is the coach they have a bad rotation and they take Tatum out when he gets a hot hand then want him to make 30 3s a game when he has more success playing aggressive

[@Ktg7777]

Expected?

[@aviaforrester1481]

your not allowed to get rid of anyone again.

[@lovelove3334]

WELL....LOOK AT YOU NOW!!! IN THE NBA FINALS!!!

[@matttheknicksfan]

come to the knicks JT

[@johnlinks]

Brad, go get an actual PG. Smart and Schroeder aren't cutting it

[@Energizedd]

My favourite player, I hope he wins a ring one day.

[@G70RYB0Y]

Nah another barkley

[@Roman-od9yb]

Bro Boston loves Tatum is someone from boson complains about Tatum they aren't a real basketball fan. Boston is beyond grateful for the baller

[@bobbyannable9307]

There’s gonna come a time..soon.. that he needs to become more like Kevin Garnett. He may not like it but it’s the truth. This team needs someone to jump start them if they ever want to win anything

[@jcity943]

Boston fans know..until they put some real players around him....this will keep happening..I think Brad gonna pull ot off

[@timsweeney684]

They just need a pure point guard. Scoring point guards obviously don’t fit with the Jay’s. Get them a playmaker who can get them quick easy buckets and it will open up their whole game

[@jcity943]

@@timsweeney684 they need shooters.. I want brad to get cam reddish...I'll be happy and another shooter..smart can go

[@jasavesimmons7801]

The Celtics had Rondo as a facilitator, but with no weapons after the big 3 left. Now the Celtics have weapons with no facilitator. All Celtics point gaurds have been score first point gaurds.

[@mitchgoudreau7670]

This is the key right here. Fans need to stop thinking Tatum and Brown are playmakers cause thats not who they are. If they could get a PG that's willing to bring the ball up the court and be a facilitator while adding or developing a couple of 3 and D guys then this team is set. Until that changes the Celtics won't be a contender. The Clippers have the same problem.

[@hanktank9329]

Sorry but Tay Tay talks through playing the game his way. I’ve enjoyed watching him play on the Celtics and thank god Danny Ainge drafted him because we would not be very good without him and he would have been on the lakers if they had some common sense and didn’t pick Lonzo ball.

[@caper087]

I remember it use to be Rachael doing all these interviews lop

[@wyattworld47]

C's fan here, you get criticized because you come off as uninterested in doing everything necessary to win titles when speaking with Boston media. You're always going to get criticized, that's part of the gig and a big reason you make so much money. Get your teammates involved consistently and work on your leadership skills, most of the fanbase loves your game and your potential.

[@eightycapone1923]

No you guys are ungrateful 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@wyattworld47]

@@eightycapone1923 maybe, but this ain’t Orlando. Don’t sign the extension if ya can’t handle it

[@marvisjoy6061]

STL STAND UP

[@Scarysmileyxx]

He’s great just needs to trust his teammates and pass a bit more

[@eightycapone1923]

U Niggas don’t watch the games I’m convinced

[@vinsmoketatum8583]

Hard to pass to teammates when they cant make an open shot

[@armin38822]

Tatum is a really good player and will be an all-star pretty much ever year but he's probably not good enough yet to be a first player on a championship team. If they somehow find a way for Tatum to be 1A then Boston will start winning.

[@rickyspanish3821]

CELTIC-PRIDE…!!! ☘️

[@grindawgz]

Yea look him now A trip to the Finals

[@neihsangaa]

tatum so fine😍😮‍💨