Contemporary off his first NBA title win, Jayson Tatum was anticipated to play a big function for Group USA on the Paris Olympics, particularly as a consequence of his huge expertise in FIBA competitions. As an alternative, the Celtics ahead rode the bench for 2 of the six video games in Paris and averaged 17.7 minutes in his 4 outings.
Tatum’s sporadic utilization led to many criticizing Group USA head coach Steve Kerr, with some even urging the Celtics star to sit out the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in protest.
To his credit score, Tatum remained even-keeled all through the Olympic expertise, though he wished he had obtained extra enjoying time, per The Boston Globe’s Tara Sullivan.
“I can not lie. It was difficult,” Tatum mentioned of his lack of enjoying time. “Particularly after the expertise of the best of the best successful a championship, after which put in a brand new scenario the place you’ve got by no means been in that spot earlier than. However you understand, I did not need to make it about me… I simply stayed knowledgeable. I got here to work daily. Simply keep prepared.”
In addition to a slew of present and former gamers, rapper Vince Staples posted a message to indicate solidarity with Tatum. Curiously, Tatum shared the publish on his social media, fueling chatter that he was sad about his enjoying time for Group USA.