Jayson Tatum’s Father Rips Celtics’ 2026-27 Roster, Claims Knicks Will Repeat

Jayson Tatum's own father isn't convinced that the Boston Celtics are contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Jayson Tatum’s Father Rips Celtics’ 2026-27 Roster, Claims Knicks Will Repeat

Jayson Tatum and his father (Image credits - People.com)

Jayson Tatum is coming off a difficult 2025-26 campaign. After missing most of the season due to injury, he returned late in the regular season and played in 16 games before the playoffs.

They faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. After taking a 3-1 lead in the series, the 76ers pulled off the comeback and eliminated the Celtics. Tatum was a spectator in Game 7 as he had some discomfort in his knee. The loss brought an abrupt end to the Celtics’ campaign.

After making several roster changes, the Celtics are approaching the new season with a different game plan and strategy. Tatum remains the team’s central figure. However, many are not convinced of their chances with their new-look roster.

One doubter is Tatum’s father, Justin Tatum. Justin dismissed the Celtics’ new roster as legit contenders and picked the New York Knicks to repeat as NBA champions.

Realistically, I might say New York might run it back. Right now, [the Celtics’] roster [is] s—.

Justin Tatum on Ultimate Dads Unplugged

The Celtics surprised everyone in the offseason when they traded away Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster trade. Brown was the best player on the team and established himself as one of the top players in the league last season. His performances saw him finish sixth in the MVP race.

While the Celtics did acquire Paul George, Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley in the summer, Justin does not seem on board with the decisions made by the front office. Jayson Tatum will be looking to find his pre-injury form and he will need to find it right away if the Celtics have any chance of contending in the Eastern Conference next season.

RELATED
Ex-NBA Player Defending Enes Kanter Freedom’s Stance Against WNBA Eligibility Gets Flamed on Social Media – “Where is the Threat?”

Celtics are rebuilding their roster around Jayson Tatum

There is no doubt that Tatum was one of the best players in the league prior to his Achilles Tendon rupture last year. He did make a speedy recovery and ended up averaging 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in his 16 regular-season appearances.

Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum (Image credits – NBA)

While he did average a double-double, it was clear that he needed more games under his belt as he struggled to find his rhythm after a long layoff. He did have a big moment in Game 3 against the 76ers, but his absence in Game 7 proved to be costly as his team choked a 3-1 lead in the series.

The Celtics front office decided not to bring back the championship-caliber core from previous seasons. Many expected Tatum and Brown to lead the franchise for years to come as they became one of the most lethal duos in the league over the last decade. Even Tatum was left shocked after Brown’s exit and labeled it as “weird”.

While George is a solid two-way player, his recent seasons have been hindered by injuries. His health will play a very important role and Tatum will need his second-best player to be fit throughout the 2026-27 campaign. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta provide continuity, while Conley and Robinson can prove to be some valuable additions. In the end, it all comes down to Tatum and his form.

Eastern Conference has gotten a lot more competitive

The New York Knicks pulled off a historic championship last season. It was their first title since 1973, and the city was united for the celebrations like never before. They have retained their core players and will be looking to be the first team to go back-to-back since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.

For years, the Eastern Conference was viewed as an easier path to a championship than the Western Conference. However, things may be different next season as a number of teams have stacked up this summer.

The Miami Heat got things underway in the offseason by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo and pairing him up with Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. They recently signed Klay Thompson as a free agent and are ready to contend in the East.

However, the biggest contenders will be the Philadelphia 76ers. After acquiring Brown, they signed LeBron James in a free agency on a two-year deal. On paper, they may have the most dominant team in the league.

The Eastern Conference presents a very difficult road to a title next season. But Tatum will have an entire season to prove his father wrong in his prediction.

Also Read: