“Grew up as a Kobe fan!” – Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum reveals Lakers ‘devastating’ snub during 2017 NBA Draft
Celtics' Jayson Tatum reflects on the 2017 NBA Draft, revealing the disappointment of being passed over by his idol Kobe Bryant’s team.
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Jayson Tatum
On a recent episode of the Clu 520 podcast, Jayson Tatum shared a surprising revelation: he was close to joining the Phoenix Suns in the 2017 NBA Draft. Tatum expected to be picked between 3-5 and said the Suns had shown strong interest.
However, the Boston Celtics selected Jayson Tatum third overall, ahead of the Suns, who picked Josh Jackson fourth. The Los Angeles Lakers, with the second pick, who he also thought he would join because of his idol, Kobe Bryant chose Lonzo Ball instead.
I think it definitely worked out…So, for me, I grew up as a Kobe fan. I always wanted to play for the Lakers. So for them to have the number two pick and it wasn’t even a thought that I was gonna get drafted there, that was kinda devastating. I never worked out for the Lakers, they never came to watch me work out.
Jayson Tatum said
Despite the snub, it’s fair to say that Tatum has really gone on to explode for the Boston Celtics. He has since become a 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA player, and most recently, an NBA champion.
JT has played eight seasons for the C’s where he has averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds. and 3.5 assists. His time has seen him forge a great partnership with teammate Jaylen Brown.
Grant Williams apologizes to Jayson Tatum for hard foul
Last time out, the Boston Celtics had secured a 113-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, but the game’s intensity lingered after the final buzzer. Grant Williams, now with the Hornets, committed a hard foul on former teammate Jayson Tatum in the fourth quarter, which sent the Celtics star crashing to the floor.
In a display of sportsmanship, Williams, according to The Boston Globe Gary Washburn, sought out Tatum after the game to apologize for the foul. According to reports, the two had a conversation, with Williams expressing regret for his actions.
According to an NBA source, the two did talk following Friday’s game, with Williams apologizing for the hard foul. Tatum initially did not want to speak with reporters for a second consecutive night; he eventually agreed, but did not want to discuss Williams or the incident.
The Boston Globe Gary Washburn wrote
What an absolute clown. Grant Williams trying to say it was a basketball play, he was going for the ball, there was nothing malicious/no ill intent, and none of the Celtics were upset with him. All while smiling and holding back laughter. He had a chance to own it and apologize. pic.twitter.com/YGH6vZKDBV
— Sloan Piva (@SloanPiva) November 2, 2024
Tatum, who was fortunate to avoid injury, declined to comment on the incident. However, teammate Jaylen Brown as well as rival player, questioned the intention behind Williams’ foul, as he suggested it wasn’t accidental.
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