Mazzulla has incredible reaction to Brandon Jennings calling Tatum ‘soft’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Brandon Jennings may have picked the wrong NBA superstar to criticize, especially considering which head coach that superstar plays for.
Jennings, a former NBA player who last played in 2018, caused a stir in a recent episode of Gilbert Arena’s podcast when wondering out loud if Jayson Tatum is the “softest Boston Celtics superstar.”
“If you’re so tough, why didn’t you get the Finals MVP award last year?” Jennings said of Tatum. “Why did you let your running mate (Jaylen Brown) do it? If you’re so tough, if you’re so tough, why didn’t you get it? Why didn’t you get it?”
On Wednesday night, Tatum responded to Jennings with an Instagram post of its highlights that included the caption “SoFtesT SuPeRstar in CeLtiC HiStoRy” with a laughing emoji.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEloYMvgMXV
But Jennings wasn’t done taking criticism from the Celtics. On Thursday morning, C’s head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about 98.5 The Sports Center Zolak and Bertrand for his opinion on Jennings’ criticism of Tatum and responded in classic Mazzulla style.
“My first thought was that’s when you use one of your coins,” Mazzulla said. “That’s a coin.”
For context, Mazzulla refers to the alternative universe he imagined. during an interview in October with Zolak and Bertrand in which everyone in society has five “coins” that they can use at any time of the year to fight a random stranger.
“At any time, you can hand one over and dare a guy to like it, combat” Mazzulla said at the time.
Considering Mazzulla’s experience in jiu-jitsuJennings may want to cross the street if he sees Mazzulla walking in his direction.
Mazzulla then followed up with a thoughtful response about how players like Tatum have to deal with constant outside criticism.
“It’s unfortunate that he in particular, but (also) players in general, feel like they have to fight for that constant affirmation,” Mazzulla said. “So what I try to do most is not have to be affirmed by other people’s opinions.
“Jayson is an incredible player, a great player, one of the best Celtics of all time, and the facts speak for themselves.”
Tatum certainly doesn’t need validation from Jennings, who played for five teams over nine NBA seasons and never made an All-Star team. Not only did Tatum lead the Celtics in points, rebounds and assists per game during their 2024 playoff run, but the 26-year-old boasts an incredible resume that includes five All-Star nods, three First Team awards All-NBA and two Olympic Gold Medals.
“We just don’t have to be affirmed by other people’s opinions, especially when they’re not in the arena,” Mazzulla added. “At the end of the day, that opinion has absolutely no ramifications on his career, his path, tomorrow’s game, practice… it just doesn’t mean anything.
“…In the arena, you have the choice of how you’re going to deal with the power of other people’s words. They’re just words. But, in my opinion, nothing should ever be taken away from that guy’s career. “The reason he gets it is because he is so good.”