Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum competed in the Olympics for the first time this year as an NBA champion and was expected to play a key role in the USA’s battle for the gold medal. But it was not an easy task for Tatum, as he was rarely used and at times was not on the court at all.
More news: Jayson Tatum and Celtics players from the US team made basketball history by winning the gold medal
Many wondered why Tatum was out of action for much of the Olympic season. People, especially Tatum’s father, Justin Tatum, were vocal about his lack of playing time.
Justin told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson over the phone in France.
“As a coach, I would have no concerns about letting him play. As a coach, I would find a way to let him play. Why didn’t he play? I don’t see any reason.”
Justin Tatum says he found a way to give Jayson Tatum more playing time at the Olympics
“As a coach, I would have no concerns about letting him play. As a coach, I would find a way to let him play. Why didn’t he play? I don’t see it.”
(Above @ScoopB ) pic.twitter.com/QvMlPQecmb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) 14 August 2024
The Celtics forward started two of six games on the bench during the Olympic season, averaging 17.7 minutes in his four appearances. A true professional, Jayson sacrificed his playing time to win his second Olympic gold medal, but after the season he admitted he had a hard time adjusting.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
“I can’t lie. It was challenging,” Tatum said of his lack of playing time. “Especially after the experience of the greatest of the greatest winning a championship and then being put in a new situation that you’ve never been in before. But you know, I didn’t want to make it my thing… I just stayed a professional. I went to work every day. Just stayed ready.”
“A lot of people have texted me and reached out to me and said, ‘Make sure this gives you strength,’ which I really appreciate,” Tatum said, adding that his Olympic experience was both “challenging and humbling.”
Justin Tatum, 45, played college basketball at St. Louis University and spent two years abroad before settling in Missouri for 16 years as a high school basketball coach.
Jayson isn’t used to sitting on the bench. He was a five-star recruit out of high school and went on to star at Duke, where he was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and Third-Team All-ACC. He’s been a starter for the Celtics since day one in the NBA and has helped lead them to heights they hadn’t reached in a long time.
The 26-year-old is still one of the best players in the NBA and has been named an All-Star five times, an All-NBA member four times and the 2023 All-Star MVP.
More news: Tyrese Haliburton reacts hilariously to not playing for the gold medal at the Olympic Games
