Jayson Tatum details meeting Michael Jordan for the first time and his hilarious gaffe
During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Celtics' Jayson Tatum shared the story of his clumsy first encounter with Michael Jordan
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Jayson Tatum recalls his first encounter with Michael Jordan
Half of the 2024-25 season has passed, and the Boston Celtics are holding onto the second seed in the Eastern Conference. The defending champs are in town to test both Los Angeles home teams. Since they were already in Hollywood, Celtics star Jayson Tatum dropped by the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live. During his guest appearance on the show, the “Green Mamba” had a fun conversation with host Jimmy Kimmel.
Tatum gave a shout-out to his mom, discussed idolizing Kobe Bryant growing up, and shared a story about meeting Michael Jordan for the first time in Paris after signing with the Jordan Brand. The champ revealed some embarrassing details about the moment he went over to greet and introduce himself to MJ, who was accompanied by his wife and Spike Lee.
I met MJ in 2019 when I was introduced to the brand and…. It was my first introduction to everybody on the team and it was my welcome to the family moment…. until I ruined it. I think I just turned 21, It was MJ his wife and Spike Lee, they were sitting at the table… I was so nervous my hands were shaking, and I go to shake his hand, and I knock over his wine glass and I spill it everywhere I break the glass. I’m speechless.
Jayson Tatum to Jimmy Kimmel
No. 0 further added that MJ was “super cool” about it and that it must have happened to him “like a thousand times before.” However, since then, the two players have gotten closer. During his appearance on Carmelo Anthony‘s podcast, Tatum disclosed that MJ is saved in his phone as “Uncle Mike.”
After winning the NBA title in an NBA Finals Game 5 rout versus the Dallas Mavericks last year, the Boston Celtics are on another championship campaign, eyeing their 19th title this year. Last season, after clinching their 18th NBA title—the most by any franchise in NBA history—the Celtics organization declared they are “looking for smoke.”
According to Vegas, despite the true contenders like CAVS, OKC and DEN, Boston Celtics is still favored to win the championship this year.
Jayson Tatum surpasses Michael Jordan for most points before turning 27
Jayson Tatum recently surpassed the GOAT in the number of points scored before turning 27. At the age of only 26, Tatum already has a ring and just recently eclipsed Michael Jordan (12,908 points). He is currently ranked 7th with 12,953 points, right behind Wilt Chamberlain (13,355 points). However, LeBron James still holds the top spot.
With his 30thpoint tonight against the Magic, Jayson Tatum finishes the night tied Michael Jordan for 8th on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer list for players Age 26 and younger. After tonight the Celtics still have 20 games left before his 27th birthday pic.twitter.com/aJsiy6k2mg
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) January 18, 2025
Having “Uncle Mike” as your mentor comes with its own merits and perks. During his conversation with former player Carmelo Anthony, who was also signed with the Jordan Brand, Tatum revealed that he occasionally calls or texts Michael Jordan to ask for advice, such as before his first Finals appearance against the Warriors in 2022.
At age of 26, Jayson Tatum still has a lot of time on his hands to have an even more memorable basketball career. The 5x All-Star is averaging 27.5 points per game with 9.2 boards and 5.4 assists. Next, the Celtics will take on Clippers on Wednesday and then Lakers on Thursday.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(248 Articles Published)