Jayson Tatum Viral China Trip: 0-for-10 Free Throws and Nutmegged by Kid

An Uncharacteristic Shooting Slump in Shanghai

During a Jordan Brand promotional stop in Shanghai on August 27, 2026, Jayson Tatum stepped up to the line to shoot free throws in front of a packed crowd. As fans chanted his name, the star forward missed 10 free throws in a row before finally converting the 11th attempt, as reported. The crowd’s reaction included collective groans for each miss, while video clips of the sequence quickly circulated across social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter.

The shooting display caught basketball fans off guard given Tatum’s career track record. According to the sources, Tatum holds an 83.9% career free-throw percentage. Social media users and online commentators reacted swiftly to the viral footage, with posts comparing the missed shots to physical barriers and questioning his readiness for the upcoming NBA season.

Defensive Breakdown and Viral Nutmeg Clip

The shooting struggles were not the only awkward moment of the international tour. During a one-on-one defensive drill captured on video and shared by Overtime, a young participant dribbled the basketball directly between Tatum’s legs before converting a layup. According to the sources, the 28-year-old NBA player laughed off the sequence and appeared impressed by the young player’s ball-handling move.

These international exhibition moments arrive as athletes engage with global markets during the off-season.

Context of Recovery and Upcoming Celtics Campaign

The promotional tour comes during a transitional phase for the Boston Celtics forward. As documented, Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the second round of the 2025 playoffs. After missing 10 months of action, he returned late in the 2025-26 regular season, appearing in 16 games and averaging 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

During that short regular-season stint, he shot 41.1% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc. While he showed strong performances in the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, knee discomfort forced him to miss Game 7, resulting in a Boston postseason exit. Entering the 2026-27 campaign, Tatum will also play without his longtime teammate Jaylen Brown, raising questions about how the Celtics roster will perform under shifting dynamics.