What happens when 2 guys associated with the Jordan brand meet? Well, they definitely spill out their Michael Jordan moment. And that’s what exactly happened when Carmelo Anthony and Jayson Tatum got together. The current champion with the Boston Celtics revealed the moment when he first met Jordan in 2019, after signing a deal with the $7 billion worth brand. And how he has used the brand to communicate to his haters.
Appearing on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Mero, Tatum spoke about the influence of MJ. Plus, during his first meeting how he accidentally spilled the red blend on ‘His Airness’. Being about 21 years of age, it was nerve-wracking for the Celtics #0 to even speak with Michael Jordan. However, since then the 6x Champion has always looked after Tatum. “But ever since then we’ve been locked in and that’s another person that like I will text, I will call.”
Playing his first NBA finals against the Stephen Curry-led Warriors, Michael Jordan was the first person Tatum called. “I remember right before uh my first time going to the finals, I remember we got to San Francisco and I called him. I was like yo like ‘how’s this going to be like what is it like being in the finals what should I expect’ and you know we talked for a long time.” Tatum continued, “And he’s somebody that he’ll text me after games and whatever. So I got his name in my phone as Uncle Mike. So, that’s my man.”
Even though Jayson Tatum averaged 21.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.8 rebounds in 6 games, the Warriors beat the Celtics 4-2 in the NBA Finals. He was third on the list for scoring, second for 3 points made, and top for assists. But it was no match for Curry’s performance as he was awarded the Finals MVP award.
And in 2024, Jayson Tatum averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 5 games in the 2024 NBA Finals. Being the leader, he was #1 for Celtics in Points, rebounds, and assists. After the final, Michael Jordan’s brand celebrated the champion.
Michael Jordan’s brand sending a message to Tatum’s critics
The post from Michael Jordan’s brand Jumpman’s official Instagram read, “NBA Champion @jaytatum0 would like to thank all the haters out there. Keep it coming.” While it showcased a gigantic board with the message, ‘Don’t Stop Disbelieving’. The post also had a voice-over from Tatum.
“They all have plenty to say. ‘I don’t have what it takes. That I’m not it. That I can’t lead. Can’t close. Can’t win it all.’ Well, maybe, they’ll stop talking now. Then again, maybe it’s best they don’t.” Previously, in April The Jordan Brand also launched his latest shoes. Plus, Jayson Tatum was also revealed to be the cover star for the NBA 2k25, alongside A’ja Wilson on the cover of the All-Star Edition.
In comparison with Nike’s divisions, the Men’s division gained only 1% in sales. On the other hand, the Jordan brand growth was 6% which helped it break the $7 billion mark. With Tatum being one of the faces of the Jordan brand, the trust, and support from ‘Uncle’ Michael Jordan is paying off.
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.