NBA: Celtics Star Barely Recognizable After New Haircut Ahead Of Restart [VIDEO]

A Boston Celtics star's new look is barely recognizable ahead of the NBA restart.

The entire NBA operations went on hiatus a few months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, for the first time since March, hoops fans around the world can finally witness their favorite teams play again. However, they won’t get the opportunity to watch the games live this time.

Ahead of the NBA restart, Celtics star Jayson Tatum gave his fans a preview of what appeared to be his new in-game look. Most men grew beards while in quarantine, and Tatum was one of them. He just decided to keep his long and got a new haircut, which had some fans and fellow players poking fun at him.

“Yoooo they post a pic of my curls somebody said look like my pops own a bodega,” Tatum tweeted. “y’all hilarious.”

The former Duke University player seemed barely recognizable as he used to have a clean cut prior to the global lockdown but is now showing off his curls. Though Tatum will look totally different when the Celtics hit the court once again, fans are hoping that the NBA All-Star will retain his lethal scoring abilities.

Tatum is regarded as one of the most talented players in the league today. He used to train with the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, and many believe that the Missouri native was able to take a leaf out of “Black Mamba’s” book. Bryant’s impact on Tatum goes beyond the basketball court as he referred to the late NBA legend as his “hero.”

Shortly after Bryant’s death, Tatum revealed that Kobe was the main reason why he fell in love with the game of basketball.

“The reason I started to play this game, the reason I fell in love with this game. Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming a mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me,” Tatum said of Bryant.

To pay tribute to his idol, Tatum even named his new puppy “Bean,” an alternate moniker of Bryant.

Before the NBA games were canceled, Tatum was scoring lights out, averaging 23.6 points per game in just 59 games. After three seasons with the C’s, Tatum became the team’s go-to guy, alongside All-Star point guard Kemba Walker.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are expected to gain confidence as they approach the NBA restart. According to the team’s schedule, Boston could increase their chances of getting into NBA title contention as only two of their next seven games are against teams who have winning averages of over .500.

Boston is set to face their Eastern Conference rivals Milwaukee Bucks on July 31 at 6:30 p.m. EDT (via ESPN, NBCSB).