During his rise to prominence in the NBA, Celtics star Jayson Tatum has made it known that he’s well aware of outside noise. And while he acknowledges the noise, Tatum typically declines to respond.
Because Tatum tends to keep to himself on such matters, it’s a pretty significant deal when he decides to clap back. His response to recent criticism from retired guard Brandon Jennings is particularly notable.
What did Jennings say about Tatum that caused him to respond? Here’s more on Jennings’ comments and the ensuing responses from Tatum, the Celtics’ social team and head coach Joe Mazzulla.
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Jayson Tatum-Brandon Jennings beef, explained
In his post-playing career, Jennings has begun his foray into sports media as a regular on Gilbert Arenas’ “Gil’s Arena” podcast. During a recent episode, Jennings stirred up the drama by questioning Tatum’s toughness.
“Yo, is he the softest Boston Celtics superstar ever?” Jennings asked.
After Arenas suggested “quietest” might be a better descriptor, Jennings doubled down. “No, soft!” he said, before temporarily attempting to clean things up a bit by saying it’s rooted in what he thinks opponents fear.
He then returned to the original argument by asking if anyone would consider Tatum tougher than Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Kevin McHale, Paul Pierce or Bill Russell.
Warning: Video contains NSFW language.
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
In a somewhat uncharacteristic move, Tatum took to Instagram to respond a few days later. He shared a post that included a mix of highlights, in-game photos and off-the-court photos with the sarcastic caption of “SoFtesT SuPeRstar in CeLtiC HiStoRy,” complete with an emoji.
The move is only slightly uncharacteristic because Tatum has shared in the past that among all criticisms and critiques, he’s particularly peeved when others speak ill of his hometown or call him soft. Thus, Jennings’ choice to use the word “soft” drew a reaction.
Tatum’s team had his back, too. First, the Celtics took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of Tatum along with an overlay of his Instagram caption.
whispers get loud when the game speaks for itself 🤫 pic.twitter.com/J6OMtPqt4M
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 9, 2025
Then, Mazzulla responded in a way only he could.
“First thought was, that’s when you use one of your coins,” Mazzulla said when asked about Jennings. “That’s a coin.”
Mazzulla’s answer is a callback to a late October interview in which he imagined a society in which everyone receives five coins a year that, when handed out, serve as a challenge for 1-on-1 combat.
I was listening to the newest @RollinJays_Pod episode and I can’t believe so many of us missed this insane Joe Mazzulla clip.
Joe thinks everyone should be given 5 Combat Coins a year that entitle them to a 1v1 fight with anybody they choose.
I love my head coach. pic.twitter.com/N1gfvLvrjN
— Tyler Leighton 🍀 (@OjeleyeFactory) October 30, 2024
It’s unclear when exactly Jennings’ comments made it to Tatum’s desk but his Instagram post did contain highlights from his 29-point performance in Denver on Jan. 7. The comments might motivate him to turn in a big performance now that the defending champs have returned to Boston for a two-game homestand.
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