"Thought bro can't be any more corny" - NBA fans react to Jayson Tatum getting a back tattoo of him kissing Larry O’Brien Trophy
Boston Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum recently took an unorthodox approach to commemorating his squad's 2024 NBA title. The first-time champion got a tattoo of himself kissing the Celtics' record-tying 18th Larry O'Brien Trophy, dividing fans on social media.
Tatum didn't take home this year's NBA Finals MVP award, with it going to his co-star Jaylen Brown. Nevertheless, the five-time All-Star played a pivotal role during Boston's title run.
Over five finals outings against the Dallas Mavericks, Tatum averaged a team-best 22.2 points per game. Moreover, he led his squad in scoring for the entire postseason at 25.0 ppg across 19 appearances.
On Thursday, photos of Tatum's new back ink depicting him celebrating his first championship went viral on X/Twitter. The tattoo features a headshot of him kissing the Larry O'Brien Trophy while wearing a Celtics hat.
Several fans mocked the four-time All-NBA selectee, who has been criticized for lacking "aura," calling him lame.
"I thought bro can’t be any more corny," @jbondwagon said.
"Cheesiest player in the NBA," @FuryPotat0 wrote.
"He doesn’t help himself, LOL," @scoobybx said.
However, others defended Tatum's tattoo, noting that he earned the right to memorialize his career milestone.
"This [is] hard, [I don't] care what y’all say," @CookedByRiley0 said.
"People will find a way to hate on him for this, LMFAO, it's insane," @CelticsGlobe wrote.
"I don't understand the hate. It's his first ring. He's been so close for six years, and now he finally won," @KD35Muse said.
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Jayson Tatum on personal impact of first NBA championship
Before getting a tattoo commemorating his first championship, Jayson Tatum spoke with Sports Illustrated's Bobby Krivitsky about the significance of the accomplishment.
Tatum said it "meant a lot" winning the title alongside his longtime co-star Jaylen Brown, citing their "long journey" together. He added that the milestone made all his hard work worthwhile.
"It was just an incredible feeling," Tatum said. "Winning a championship, understanding all the hard work and sacrifice that went into making that goal a reality, and understanding how it made you feel the night that you won a championship. ... All of it was worth it."
Tatum also touched on the Celtics' goals entering this upcoming season, highlighting their desire to gradually "build" upon last season's success. Tatum and Co. will attempt to become the first repeat champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.
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