Any disparaging remarks Skip Bayless made about Jayson TatSkip Baylessum were treasured by Paul Pierce, giving the Boston Celtics legend the opportunity to demand an apology from the host of “Undisputed.”

“To start with, Skip, I must apologize to Jayson Tatum,” Pierce stated on the FS1 show. “You tore him apart. You stated that Lonzo (Ball) will eventually surpass him and that he couldn’t be the person because he lacked the “it” element. Please hold on as I apologize for a moment before I begin.

That is what you said. Everything about this is recorded. He lacks the “it” factor. He’s not a canine. What more, he said. “Much more is there. Although the list is lengthy, it would take up the entire show if I went over everything you mentioned about him. All we ask is a brief apology. He is now a champion.

With the Celtics’ Game 5 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, Tatum contributed to the team’s 18th championship in franchise history. The All-Star forward had previously been on the verge of winning a championship, but Boston lost the 2022 Finals to the Golden State Warriors.

Despite his early career accomplishments, the 26-year-old was still lacking that coveted crown. That was altered on Monday, though, as Tatum scored a game-high 31 points, dished out 11 assists, and pulled down eight rebounds in the 106-88 triumph.

With 11 players under contract, including Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics are well-positioned for a shot at a repeat next season, even though their 18th championship is still fresh in their memories. Wyc Grousbeck, the team owner, also revealed that he has been informed that Al Horford will play in the NBA for the 18th time in 2019.

Tatum and the other Celtics players will now spend a few days in Miami before coming back to Boston on Friday to join the supporters in a celebratory parade.