Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum isn’t just one of the most popular athletes in New England. He has a global following, thanks in part to the NBA’s huge international reach, as well as Tatum’s winning personality and play. Unsurprisingly, the former Duke Blue Devil has plenty of fans in China.
China has long been a hotbed for NBA fandom. The league has invested heavily to curate and grow that market and China alone could represent $5 billion in value to the NBA. Anchoring those numbers sit fans just as passionate as you might find on Causeway Street or at the TD Garden, and it’s common for members of the international media to visit Celtics games to report back to fans in China or elsewhere. Such was the case Wednesday night following Boston’s road win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
During a postgame press conference, a reporter explained to Jayson Tatum that he is called “cute rabbit” or “rex rabbit” in China by fans. The reporter estimated that 90% of people in China refer to him with these nicknames.
PHOTOS – Boston at Philly: Celtics dig deep down 2 starters, beat 76ers 117-107 https://t.co/Dn3n6hIaCE pic.twitter.com/tOFwKXlIF0
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 16, 2023