Jayson Tatum Explains 'Love-Hate' Relationship With Sixers Fans
Does Jayson Tatum take issue with Philadelphia 76ers fans? The team’s Eastern Conference rival recently mentioned the Philly fan base on ‘Cap or No Cap’ when asked by a reporter who his most hated fan base is.
However, Tatum mentioned that he has more of a “love-hate” relationship with Sixers fans.
“Philly had the No. 1 pick,” Tatum explained. “They could’ve picked me. We’ve got a little love-hate relationship between us.”
Tatum refers to the 2017 NBA Draft, where the Boston Celtics decided to trade back out of the top spot, dealing the pick to the 76ers. At the time, Tatum had wrapped up a 29-game stint at Duke as a freshman, where he averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
While Tatum was expected to go high in the draft, the consensus No. 1 pick was former Washington guard Markelle Fultz. Once the Sixers secured the top pick, it was apparent the Sixers were taking on Fultz, while the Los Angeles Lakers were going to snag Lonzo Ball at No. 2.
In hindsight, the Sixers made the wrong decision. Fultz never panned out in Philadelphia and was traded to the Orlando Magic after appearing in just 33 games for the Sixers across two seasons. Meanwhile, Tatum became a four-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team winner in his first six seasons with the Celtics.
It appears Tatum is under the belief that Sixers fans dislike him out of spite because they felt they should’ve drafted him first overall instead of Fultz. While his assumption is probably correct for a large portion of fans, the reality is that Tatum simply plays for one of the Sixers’ biggest rivals.
Of course, Sixers fans aren’t going to be a fan of his.
For what it's worth, it seems Tatum has fun with the rivalry, though. Even though he pivoted to mentioning Sixers fans when presented with the question, his “love-hate” comment makes it apparent that Tatum embraces the hostility that comes with facing an Atlantic Division rival.
