Charles Barkley Drops Truth Bomb on Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, No Respect to Jaylen Brown

While people like former player Lou Williams believe there is a conspiracy theory surrounding Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown after they won the NBA championship, legend Charles Barkley believes they were snubbed. Appearing on “The Bill Simmons Show,” he spoke about situations like Tatum receiving little playing time in the Olympics and Brown being cut by Team USA.

Barkley would say the NBA “found a way” to anger two players who won an impressive championship, which could motivate them to prove the doubters wrong in the upcoming season. In that regard, he said the last time he thinks of something like that happening was Isaiah Thomas and his treatment on the Dream Team.

“The NBA found a way to piss them both off this summer, what do you think?” Barkley said. “Only the NBA can do that, let’s piss off 2 of the best 10 players in the NBA after they win a championship. Seriously, I don’t think so, maybe Isaiah Thomas was treated unfairly on the Dream Team, but I can’t think of any other scenario where the NBA pissed off 2 players more than they did with Jayson and Jaylen this summer, I honestly believe that.”

As for Tatum’s involvement with Team USA, he would have won a gold medal if he was a member of the team, but people like Celtics legend Bob Cousy were outraged by such behavior as there were games where he did not log a single second of playing time.

Charles Barkley on Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and His Role on Team USA

Barkley thought that was problematic and even thought that Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s play, or lack thereof, was not good.

“There’s no reason we shouldn’t play Haliburton,” Barkley said. “They sacrificed their summer to represent their country. There’s not going to be as much of a drop-off as, you know, maybe I should put Jayson Tatum in there. You’re not going to put a second reserve in there.”

As for a possible explanation, Team USA was loaded with talent, making it one of the most dominant teams the country has seen since the aforementioned Dream Team. Tatum often got lost in the crowd, with even Team USA head coach Steve Kerr calling it a “math problem” regarding the Celtics star’s commitment.

“It’s not about what Jayson does or doesn’t do,” Kerr said. “It’s just the combinations and the way this group has played together, the way Kevin has filled out the lineup since he came back from injury, it’s just a math problem more than anything else.”

There’s no doubt it sparked negative reactions from many, including Celtics owner Wys Grousbeck, who called it “puzzling” on his radio show.

“I mean, I wouldn’t play Steve Kerr, let me put it that way,” Grousbeck said. “It’s a complete mystery. I don’t think Jayson deserves anything other than praise, recognition and playing time. I think he and Jaylen led us to this incredible championship, and they’re obviously not helping the Olympic team, they’re not able to help the Olympic team… it’s a mystery.”

Tatum, Brown and Boston are looking for revenge and two championships in a row.