Coming into the Paris Olympics 2024, Team USA was highly favored to bag the gold, and with their dominating performance for most parts of the tournament, the Dream Team has lived up to the expectations. Even though most of the players on Team USA seem to have high spirits, the same can’t be said about Jayson Tatum. Having only played 3 games in the Olympics so far, Tatum has now entered the list of American players with multiple DNPs in the Olympics.
After Steve Kerr did not allow Tatum on the court for even a minute in the opener against Serbia, the Celtic star played three consecutive games after that, averaging a little over 6 points in the 19 minutes per game. Just when the fans thought Tatum’s time on the bench in the Olympics was over, Kerr did not play him in the semi-final against Serbia again, much to the fans’ discontent.
“It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson; it’s what I’ve seen from the other guys,” Kerr spoke on why he was not playing Tatum. “Like I’ve said many times during this tournament and the last six weeks, it’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game. “It’s just a math problem more than anything.” But Kerr’s explanation for Tatum’s DNP does not seem to add up.
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While Tatum might not be having a great offensive tournament, Kerr seems to have overlooked his defensive prowess. JT is an exceptional defensive player as well. With his 6’9″ frame, he could provide length, along with defensive versatility, rebounding, and playmaking skills. While Serbia grabbed nine offensive rebounds and made 15 of 39 three-pointers, which led to their double-digit lead, Team USA could have certainly used Tatum’s rebounding prowess. Even though Team USA made an incredible comeback, things might not have gone that far if they had a player of Tatum’s caliber on the court.
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With Team USA playing in the finals next, Celtics President Brad Stevens hopes that Kerr will deploy Tatum in the game against France, who are likely to have two 7-footers in their squad.
“It’s hard to not play, and I’m guessing it’s exponentially harder when you’re one of the best players in the world. But when we’ve talked, he’s been all about the team,“ Brad Stevens said. “This is such a unique opportunity to win a gold medal in the Olympics. He’s always ready. The championship game [against France Saturday] will be a great road environment, and he shines in those situations.”
If not for the Celtics star’s offensive capabilities, Team USA could surely make use of his physical strength and defensive prowess against France in the finals.
But on the downside, even if Tatum plays in the next game against France, the fact that he’s now on an unwanted list won’t change.
Jayson Tatum has now entered the list of multiple DNPs
With Jayson Tatum being benched for two full games with no playing time, he is now part of a list of seven players who have had multiple DNPs at the Olympics this century—a list a player of his caliber should never be on.
Sure, Tatum may not have a spot in the starting lineup, but Kerr could have certainly used the 6’9″ forward as a bench option.
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Being part of this list is not something Jayson Tatum would be proud of, and the fact that it wasn’t even the 26-year-old’s fault makes it even harder to swallow.
Why was Derrick White given a chance to play, but not Jayson Tatum? That’s a question that seems to be bothering everyone. Remember the blowout win for the USA against Puerto Rico? Tatum had a double-double in that game with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
In addition to this, Paul Pierce, ex-Celtic player, labelled Kerr’s decision as ‘Celtic hate.’ “After the game, Kerr was like, what was the word he used? He felt bad. Felt like an idiot, and then you try and sit (Joel) Embiid in the next game to kind of justify it. Like, ‘Look, I sat the MVP.’ Nah, that ain’t what this was.” Pierce said. “Just Celtic hate. Good old Celtic hate,” Pierce added. “That’s all it’s ever been.” As controversies arise, along with Tatum being on the DNP list, things have really started to heat up within Team USA. What are your thoughts on this?
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Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.