The harshest preseason evaluation of the Boston Celtics did not come from a rival player, national television analyst or disappointed fan.
It came from Jayson Tatum’s father.
Justin Tatum dismissed Boston’s reworked roster and selected the New York Knicks to repeat as NBA champions during an appearance on Ultimate Dads Unplugged, a podcast hosted by LaVar Ball, Dwyane Wade Sr. and Quenton Brown Sr.
“Realistically, I might say New York might run it back,” Tatum said when asked for his early 2027 NBA Finals pick.
Ball immediately questioned why he would choose New York over the team led by his son. Tatum’s answer was considerably less diplomatic.
“Right now, [the Celtics’] roster [is] s—,” he said.
The opinion belonged to Justin, not Jayson, an important distinction as the comment circulates. Still, it delivered an unusually blunt assessment from someone closely connected to the face of the franchise.
Celtics Remade Roster Around Jayson Tatum
Boston did not bring back the championship-caliber core that once appeared capable of contending together for years.
The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in a deal that brought Paul George to Boston. Brown’s departure ended his partnership with Tatum and removed an All-NBA wing who helped deliver the franchise’s 18th championship in 2024.
George, 36, remains a skilled scorer and defender, but recent seasons have been interrupted by injuries. His ability to stay healthy and complement Tatum will help determine whether Boston’s offseason gamble succeeds.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens also signed former Knicks center Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million contract. Robinson gives Boston elite offensive rebounding and rim protection.
Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta provide continuity. Veteran guard Mike Conley adds experience and organization.
Most importantly, Tatum enters the season healthy after completing an accelerated return from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered during the 2025 playoffs. He remains the reason dismissing Boston entirely feels premature.
Eastern Conference Presents Difficult Road
GettyJayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics hugs his father, Justin Tatum, after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Justin Tatum’s prediction is provocative, but selecting New York is hardly unreasonable.
The Knicks return Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart from the group that won the 2026 championship. Their experience together gives them an advantage over a Boston roster integrating George and Robinson.
New York lost Robinson to Boston and replaced him with Andre Drummond, creating questions about whether its interior defense can remain at a championship level.
The Knicks are not Boston’s only concern.
Philadelphia added LeBron James and Brown to a roster already featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid. Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and paired him with Bam Adebayo, forming the conference’s most imposing frontcourt.
The Heat then added Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr., placing proven perimeter shooting around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
Toronto also has a trade for Kawhi Leonard pending. If completed, Leonard would return to the franchise he led to the 2019 championship and push the Raptors deeper into the East’s contender conversation.
Boston’s outcome rests on whether George can remain available, Robinson can stay healthy and the supporting cast can supply enough scoring around Tatum.
Those are legitimate questions. Describing the roster with a single expletive is something else.
Justin Tatum picked the defending champions and explained his refusal to select Boston in the bluntest terms possible. His son will have an entire season to provide the rebuttal.
Jayson Tatum’s Father Sends Blunt Message About Celtics Roster