Jayson Tatum is not the most outspoken player out there. This is exactly why the critics are quick to point out that his quiet demeanor goes against his role as Boston's talisman. Tatum was asked point-blank about the slander to which the All-Star forward responded with a rather comprehensive answer.
According to Tatum, leadership has nothing to do with screaming and yelling:
“Everybody is different, right?” Tatum said, via Dakota Randall of of NESN. “And I’m sure the people who watch the games and give their opinion on what happens kind of want you to be a certain way. (They) think that, if you’re yelling and screaming and stuff like that, that that necessarily makes you a leader. It works for some guys.”
The Celtics star went on to explain that he has a different view on leadership and he isn't going to let the criticism get to him:
“It can be in how you play, how you show up every day, pulling guys to the side — everybody won’t see that,” Tatum added. “I’m certain that people think that since I’m not overly emotional or do things like that, they kinda can question whatever they wanna question. Leadership comes in all different types of fashions. I just do it in my own way.”
Tatum led his squad by example on Tuesday, dropping a 50-piece all over the Washington Wizards in their play-in matchup. Tatum's heroics allowed the Celtics to secure the seventh seed in the East, as they get ready to face off against the second-seeded Brooklyn Nets. A lot will be riding for Brooklyn in that series, but Tatum will be looking to lead a shorthanded Celtics side to an upset victory over the heavily-favored Nets.
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