Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics star, recently debuted a new hairstyle that has taken the internet by storm. Photos surfaced of Tatum sporting braids at Bradley Beal's wedding, and the look has generated quite a buzz among fans and fellow players alike. This change comes as Tatum continues his recovery from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, an injury that will keep him off the court for an extended period.
Tatum's appearance at Bradley Beal and Kamiah's wedding as a groomsman revealed his unexpected braided hairstyle. The photos quickly went viral, sparking a range of reactions from fans. Among those reacting was Tatum's Celtics teammate, Jaylen Brown, whose genuine surprise was captured on his Twitch stream.
"They're saying JT got braids. Hell nah," Brown exclaimed while scrolling through his phone. "JT got braids? Nah, that's crazy," he added with a smile. "That's insane. JT just doing anything now." Brown's humorous disbelief highlighted the unexpected nature of Tatum's new look, particularly given Tatum's established image.
Over the past few seasons, Tatum has cultivated a signature hairstyle that has become part of his brand. Brown’s lighthearted reaction suggests he might feel Tatum is intruding on his territory, as Brown himself has a distinctive hairstyle. The camaraderie and playful banter between the two Celtics stars add an entertaining layer to the story of Tatum's new braids.
The change in Tatum's hairstyle has inevitably led to speculation about whether it could impact his performance on the court. This isn't the first time Tatum's hair has been linked to his game. For example, when Tatum arrived in Las Vegas with a buzz cut to prepare for the Olympics with Team USA, some fans hoped that ditching his signature curls would improve his jump shot.
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In his early NBA seasons, Tatum consistently sported a buzz cut and demonstrated high shooting efficiency. During the three seasons with short hair, he shot 43.4%, 37.3%, and 40.3% from beyond the arc. However, over the subsequent five years, as he let his curls grow out, his efficiency declined, with percentages of 38.6%, 35.3%, 35.0%, 37.6%, and 34.3%.
Despite the statistical dip, Tatum's performance reached its peak during the "curls era." He achieved numerous accolades and solidified his status as a top player in the league. Whether there's a correlation between his hair and his game remains a topic of debate, but it's clear that Tatum's skills transcend any particular hairstyle.
Tatum's new hairstyle coincides with his recovery from a significant injury. The six-time All-Star ruptured his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. At the time of the injury, Tatum was delivering a remarkable performance, scoring 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting, along with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Following surgery, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens reported that Tatum was "progressing well" but refrained from providing a specific timeline for his return. The injury is expected to sideline Tatum for the entire 2025-26 season, making his recovery a long and challenging process.
In a video released by the NBA, Tatum discussed his rehab without sporting the braids, indicating that the hairstyle change occurred more recently. As he works his way back to full strength, Tatum's new look represents a fresh start and a positive mindset during his recovery.
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As a prominent figure in the NBA, Tatum is no stranger to attention and criticism. He has faced trolling and scrutiny for various reasons, including his rap battle with Jimmy Fallon and a tattoo of himself after winning the championship. His fashion choices, such as wearing overalls and Timberlands before a game in New York, have also drawn commentary.
Regardless of his actions, Tatum is sure to elicit strong reactions from fans and critics alike. His decision to sport braids is no exception, with opinions ranging from admiration to ridicule. Despite the potential for negativity, Tatum appears unfazed and confident in his new style.
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