Justin Tatum’s Candid Take on the Celtics Roster and the Knicks’ Championship Prospects

During the inaugural episode of the “Ultimate Dads Unplugged” podcast, Justin Tatum—father of Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum—called the Celtics’ roster “s—t” and predicted that the New York Knicks, the 2026 champions, could repeat in 2026-27. His remarks were made alongside LaVar Ball, Dwyane Wade Sr., and Quenton Brown Sr., and quickly spread across sports media.

Jayson Tatum's Dad Has Blunt Message About Celtics Roster Bleacher ReportUSA TodayJayson Tatum’s Father Calls Celtics Roster “Sh*t”, Picks Knicks to Win NBA Championship Again HeavyUSA TodayCeltics heaped more pressure on Jayson Tatum with offseason retool Jaylen Brown thrived as the undisputed alpha. Now, it’s Jayson Tatum’s turn

The Celtics entered the offseason after trading wing partner Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston acquired veteran forward Paul George, who averaged 17.3 points per game last season, signed former Knicks center Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million deal, and added guard Mike Conley Jr. and center Neemias Queta for depth.

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Jayson Tatum returned from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in the 2025 playoffs and entered the 2026-27 preseason healthy, now carrying the bulk of the scoring load.

Celtics have left Jayson Tatum without a Plan B for season-defining hurdle

• Paul George’s recent output: 17.3 ppg on .439/.392/.820 shooting.

Celtics have left Jayson Tatum without a Plan B for season-defining hurdle

• Mitchell Robinson contract: three years, $47.4 million.

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• ESPN projection: Boston expected to win 48 games, ranking among Eastern contenders.

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• Betting odds (BetOnline): Knicks +900 to win the 2027 championship; Celtics +1400.

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The podcast hosts cut off Tatum’s comment after the expletive, leading to a fragmented audio clip that some outlets reported as a full statement.

USA Today

USA Today reported that Tatum explicitly called the roster “s—t,” then later clarified the audio was cut off and that he never completed the phrase. Bleacher Report and Heavy presented the full expletive without the clarification, highlighting a misquotation that spread before the full clip was examined.

USA Today

• “Realistically, (expletive), I might say New York might run it back,” — Justin Tatum

USA Today

• “You know all things considered, for me to be able to come back and play, and play at the level I was playing at, I’m proud of the fact that I was able to prove to myself that I can still play this game,” — Justin Tatum

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Justin Tatum’s criticism underscores uncertainty surrounding Boston’s ability to replace the production lost with Brown’s departure. The comments have nudged betting markets, as reflected in the odds gap between the Knicks and Celtics, and illustrate how quickly unverified soundbites can shape narratives, potentially affecting fan sentiment and team morale ahead of the season.

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Boston’s season will begin with Tatum shouldering a heavier scoring burden while the team monitors his health and the availability of George and Robinson. The Knicks, retaining their championship core, will aim to defend their title. Both franchises face scrutiny as the Eastern Conference tightens around the upcoming 2026-27 regular season.

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