Justin Tatum, the father of NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, didn't hold back when it came to his thoughts about the Boston Celtics and the roster they currently have after sending Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. While there was heavy speculation that the Boston Celtics would trade Jaylen Brown this offseason, many people didn't know the type of deal they'd make in exchange for the five-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP. Justin Tatum recently appeared on an episode of "Ultimate Dads Unplugged" hosted by outspoken NBA dad LaVar Ball and also featuring Dwyane Wade Sr. and Quenton Brown Sr. as guests.
During the podcast episode, Ball asked Justin Tatum who he thought would win the NBA championship for the 2026-27 season. After thinking about it and shaking his head, he gave an answer that surprised Ball. "Realistically, [expletive] I might say New York might run it back," Tatum stated, adding, "Right now, roster's [expletive]." Read more: NBA Champion Makes Bold Statement About Heat With Klay Thompson It's a harsh take by Tatum's father, but one some fans might also agree with.
In a season with Jayson Tatum sidelined for all but 16 regular-season games, Jaylen Brown led Boston to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite that and Tatum's return in time for the postseason, they fell in a seven-game series to the 76ers. The offseason brought the shocking deal that sent Brown to the 76ers in exchange for nine-time All-Star Paul George, who, despite being a veteran star, is older than Brown and, in many people's minds, not the answer to helping the Celtics' aspirations of winning more titles.
However, the Celtics' roster still features All-NBA Defensive First Team member Derrick White, who has been a great third option at times in the starting lineup, as well as guard Payton Pritchard, who emerged as a potential star off the bench. Although the season is less than two months away, the Knicks remain tied with the new-look Philadelphia 76ers at most sportsbooks with +900 odds to win next year's championship. Western Conference contenders, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, remain the top two contenders, tied at +270 odds, per DraftKings sportsbook.
And the Celtics seem to still be in the conversation, with their +1300 odds to win the title placing them among the top five favorites. Unless Jayson Tatum is in on his father's plan to say something controversial on a podcast, it might be a bit discouraging for him to hear his father's remarks about the roster. It could be embarrassing or demoralizing for him to hear as he prepares for a full-season back on the court.
His father's recent comments might also give Tatum motivation to prove to his father and the league that the roster will work and that the Celtics remain a threat among the East's best teams. More news: Miami Heat Send Message to Klay Thompson After Signing 2-Year Deal For more about the Boston Celtics and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
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