Jayson Tatum’s Embarrassing China Trip: 10 Missed Free Throws & Being Nutmegged By a Kid

Jayson Tatum’s attempt to entertain international fans takes embarrassing turn.

Jayson Tatum’s Embarrassing China Trip: 10 Missed Free Throws & Being Nutmegged By a Kid

Jayson Tatum (Image credits - ESPN)

Jayson Tatum is entering a new phase in his NBA career. Drafted by the Boston Celtics as the third pick in the 2017 NBA draft, Tatum established himself as one of the best scorers in the league over the last decade.

He spent his entire career in Boston alongside Jaylen Brown. They became one of the league’s most lethal duos and led their team to a championship in 2024. However, Tatum will enter the 2026-27 campaign without his partner in crime.

But before the new season gets underway, the Celtics forward made a trip to China as part of an annual Jordan Brand promotional tour. He linked up with his fans in Shanghai and took part in an interactive basketball event.

However, some awkward moments arose when things didn’t go exactly as planned for Tatum. He stepped up to shoot some free throws. As fans chanted his name, he missed 10 free throws in a row before making the 11th one.

Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon in the second round of the playoffs last year. He missed 10 months of action but made a speedy recovery and returned to court towards the end of the 2025-26 regular season.

In his 16 appearances in the regular season, he averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The numbers were impressive considering his lengthy layoff, but he shot at just 41.1% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc.

While his rustiness was expected, he did have some big moments in the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, he was ruled out for Game 7 due to some discomfort in his knee, and the Celtics ended up getting knocked out.

RELATED
Former Player Removing LeBron James From GOAT Conversation After Joining 76ers Angers Fans – “Natural Born Haters”

Fans roast Jayson Tatum over ‘awkward’ 0-for-10 free throw showing in China

Jayson Tatum was one of the best scorers in the league prior to his injury. He is usually efficient from the charity stripe as he shoots at 83.9% for his career. Hence, the 0-10 from the free-throw line in China surprised many.

As the clip of his missed free throws went viral, NBA fans reacted to the unusual sequence on social media.

The crowd’s reaction made it even more painful, as every miss was met with a collective groan. It was surprising to see Tatum struggle to make a free throw, as he is a reliable free-throw shooter. But the NBA community did not waste any chance at mocking him on the internet.

Jayson Tatum got nutmegged by a kid during his China trip

Jayson Tatum is also highly regarded for his defense. His impact on both ends of the court has placed him as one of the best two-way players in the league.

Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum during his China tour (Image credits – The Boston Globe)

However, the 10 missed free throws were not the only awkward moment during his promotional tour in China. There was another clip that went viral, but this time it was when Tatum was playing some defense.

While defending one-on-one, a young kid dribbled the ball right between Tatum’s legs before scoring a layup.

The 28-year-old was left impressed by the move and laughed it off after getting nutmegged. In the end, it was all lighthearted from Tatum’s end.

All eyes will be on Jayson Tatum and the Celtics as they head into the new season with a new-look roster after the exit of Jaylen Brown. These jokes will not matter when the Celtics and Tatum deliver results from the first game and possibly turn into playoff contenders.

Also Read: