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Lots of players have their own signature sneakers, but how many players can say they have their own signature chip? Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is one of the few. Tatum recently signed a chips deal with Ruffles and as part of the deal Tatum got his own flavor – Flamin ‘Hot BBQ. This new flavor is meant to recall Tatum’s childhood in Saint-Louis, a city that offers daring and spicy cuisine. Aside from throwing his own chip, Tatum is also in the middle of another All-Star campaign, and he averages a career-high points (25.6) and assists (4.5) per game for the Celtics this season.
To celebrate his exit, Tatum took a few minutes to speak with CBS Sports about his chip, his recovery from COVID-19, playing basketball in empty arenas, and what the Celtics need to do to reverse the season, between other. . Check out the full interview below.
CBS Sports: I want to start off by asking you about your new partnership with Ruffles. How did this happen and why do you think partnering with Ruffles was right for you personally?
Jayson tatum: Lots of different reasons. Obviously, I love crisps. I like to do things that are organic for myself. I have been eating frills since I was a child. I remember last year when they partnered with [Los Angeles Lakers forward] Anthony Davis, and I thought it was really, really cool. And for me, I like to do things that [are organic]. I grew up going to the stores, buying Ruffles chips. And now I have the opportunity to participate in the creation of my own chip and see my face on something that I ate growing up. It’s a surreal feeling because it’s very authentic and organic to me. So when the opportunity arose, it was obvious to me.
CBS: What is your contribution to flavor [Flamin’ Hot BBQ]? The press release says it is meant to recall your childhood in Saint-Louis and the flavors of this community.
Tatum: I love spicy food. Anything to do something spicy, or give it an extra kick, I totally agree. Growing up in Saint-Louis, we are known for barbecue. I love barbecue and I like to point out things about my childhood and where I’m from. So by putting this combination together, [you get] Flamin ‘Hot BBQ. I thought it was quite easy for us to figure this out.
CBS: I want to go to court for a few minutes. How difficult was it going from the bubble in Orlando to a short offseason to get back into action this season, especially since the Celtics were one of the last four teams in the bubble?
Tatum: It was definitely a challenge. It has been two unique consecutive seasons. With everything going on in the world, and then, to sort of come back to it like we did, without too much rest, it’s hard. Obviously you love the game, you love doing what you do. So obviously you wanted to come back and play but [also] just understand and know that you need a rest. We wish we could have rested longer, but we’re not the only team in a bubble. We all deal with this as a league, but it’s definitely a challenge, and we’re still trying to figure it out.
CBS: Speaking of weird, how weird has it been to go through the normal travel schedule of the season, but not having any fans, or having very few fans, in the arenas? What kind of impact, if any, has it had on your team?
Tatum: Nothing in this season has been normal. Especially when it comes to games postponed due to contact tracing, the guys tested positive [for COVID-19]. I tested positive. So that’s been a lot of on-the-fly adjustments. There are things that happen that you really can’t prepare for, and you just have to figure it out, whether it’s while traveling, or sometimes the tests don’t come back on time and you have to cancel the practice. So I think since the start of the season we’ve gotten more used to it. But you know, [it’s] always very, very different.
CBS: You mentioned that you tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the season. I know a few weeks ago you said that you are still dealing with some of the lingering effects on your breathing when you are in the field. How has the overall recovery process been for you and how are you feeling these days?
Tatum: When I found out, probably like most people, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately for most of my 40s I had no symptoms, everything was fine. But when I came back and played, I noticed that I was a little short of breath, that I was getting tired much faster than usual. I talked to a bunch of different athletes from different sports who tested positive and they said they were dealing with the same thing. It got better, but I think it just takes a little while because it’s just something new.
CBS: Earlier this week, you were named All-Star for the second consecutive season. What does being one of the 24 players in the league to earn All-Star status mean to you?
Tatum: I am very, very grateful. It’s not something you take for granted. As you said, it’s only 24 players doing it, and that could change from year to year. It is therefore a great honor. I appreciate it. All-Star is going to look a little different this year with everything going on, but just to be named an All-Star again and be part of the squad, I’m grateful and excited.
CBS: Obviously, fans play a big role in selecting starters for the All-Star Game, but league coaches choose the reserves. In a way, is it more meaningful to be selected by the coaches rather than the fans, since they are the ones who really know the game and see all the players in the league every night?
Tatum: I think it’s both. But like you said, earn the respect of your peers, the people who have to train you against you and know that you have earned their respect. [is meaningful]. Obviously, they watch the game and prepare for the game differently than the average fan. So I think that’s a big deal, just knowing that the coaches have a high regard for me.
CBS: Thanks for taking the time to speak today, Jayson. We’ll get you out of here on this. Obviously, the Celtics haven’t had the best start to the season. What do you think you, individually and as a team, the Celtics need to do in the second half of the season to turn the ship around and put yourself in good position for a playoff push?
Tatum: We must be in good health. We’ve been dealing with injuries and things like that. The simple answer is, we just have to be better. We know what we are capable of and we just have to understand it. From top to bottom, every guy just needs to be better.
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