The summer began on a high note for Jayson Tatum, as he played a pivotal role in leading the Boston Celtics to their record-breaking 18th NBA championship. However, the months that followed haven’t exactly gone as smoothly for the Celtics star.
After the NBA season, Tatum was expected to be a key contributor for Team USA during the Olympics, but things didn’t go as planned. Despite his high-profile status, Tatum spent most of the tournament watching from the sidelines, with minimal playing time. The lack of minutes was so glaring that even his mom reportedly voiced her displeasure. Nevertheless, Tatum still came home with a gold medal, an achievement few can claim.
Following his Olympic run, Tatum found himself in the spotlight once again, but this time for less celebratory reasons. A new tattoo honoring his idol, Kobe Bryant, which he had inked over the summer, didn’t receive the warm reception he was hoping for. While some fans appreciated the tribute, others criticized the design, leading to mixed reactions online.
Tatum then traveled to China to promote Jordan Brand, where he faced another viral moment he’d likely prefer to forget. During a promotional event, a mishap on the basketball court was captured on video, adding to the list of off-court moments that weren’t going Tatum’s way this summer.
RELATED: Ella Mai and Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Welcome Their First Baby
Amid these ups and downs, Tatum has still managed to add an exciting new chapter to his career: becoming a children’s book author. The NBA All-Star recently released his first book, Baby Dunks-a-Lot: A Picture Book, which is inspired by his own experiences as a basketball superstar and a loving father. The book, which promises to be both humorous and heartwarming, is described as “the story of what happens when a tot becomes an NBA teammate.” It’s a significant milestone for the 26-year-old, who has spoken often about the importance of being a father to his son, Jayson Tatum Jr.
To promote his book, Tatum made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During the show, he participated in a playful rap battle with Fallon, showcasing a lighter side of himself to fans. However, as is often the case with social media, the reaction to Tatum’s rap performance was less than kind. Fans took to various platforms to poke fun at his rapping skills, with many suggesting that he should stick to basketball.
Despite the lighthearted roasting, Tatum did manage to deliver a memorable mic drop at the end of the battle, boasting, “Got my first ring and another gold medal.” It was a reminder of his impressive achievements this year, both on and off the court.
While his rapping may not have won over the internet, Tatum has plenty to be proud of. From helping the Celtics to an NBA championship, to earning an Olympic gold medal, and now becoming a children’s book author, he continues to build a remarkable legacy.
Though there will always be critics and haters when you’re at the top, Tatum’s future remains firmly rooted in basketball, where his talents truly shine.
