Game recognizes game. Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum gave praise to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, in a Twitter shoutout embedding a video of #44 draining a corner 3-pointer.
Barack Obama must know his basketball analytics. A video of the former President of the United States draining a corner 3-pointer–the game’s most efficient shot beyond the arc–in passing as he was walking away from a press event in support of his former Vice President and current presidential Democratic nominee Joe Biden has hit the airwaves…and Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum took notice:
Greatest to ever do it. https://t.co/AsevBtO0Qz
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) November 1, 2020
It’s refreshing when players aren’t attacking political candidates in response to provocation–the infamous LeBron James-Donald Trump exchange of course being the muse for that last statement:
'The people run this country, not one individual. And damn sure not him.' — LeBron James has no regrets after calling Donald Trump a 'bum' pic.twitter.com/KBGPYyi9zx
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) September 25, 2017
With the 2020 presidential election just days away, it’s certainly not surprising to see heavy political involvement from players. Let us not forget that the Lake Buena Vista bubble was essentially an advertisement for social justice advancement via empowerment from the NBPA and the league.
Tatum’s words were presumably not about Obama being the greatest to ever step onto a basketball court, so interpret his words as you will…we (or anyone besides JT) can know for sure what he meant. Clearly, the Cs All-Star is fond of the first black president in the history of the United States in any scenario.
The 2020-21 season is right around the corner, with the league pushing for a return in time for the annual Christmas Day all-day extravaganza–and the revenue that comes with it. Players want a return in January, but that may come with both fewer games and a worse position to negotiate from for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.
League owners and players already disagree on plenty, and Tatum’s statement runs counterintuitive to what many owners believe in. Of course, Tatum is far from the only player to show support for #44.
Either way, try to stay sane these next few days no matter who you are pulling for. Hardwood Houdini is here to keep your mind focused on what matters: the Boston Celtics.