A Boston Celtics legend has stepped up to support Jayson Tatum, who’s been facing challenges in securing a spot on the USA men’s basketball team during the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bob Cousy, the former Celtics point guard and Hall of Famer, shared his thoughts on Tatum’s recent benching following Team USA’s narrow 95-91 win against Serbia. Tatum, a reigning NBA champion and five-time All-Star, didn’t see any playing time under head coach Steve Kerr, even as the team fell behind by 17 points.
Read More: USA Basketball Stages Comeback to Beat Serbia, Advance to Gold Medal Match
“This isn’t just a snub; it’s a humiliation for that kid on the world stage,” said Cousy. “The Olympics are massive, and people are going to think something’s off with him.”
This marked the second game in which Tatum did not play at all during the Olympics, having been benched in a pool play match against Serbia the previous month. Cousy questioned Kerr’s choices, especially since the team seemed to have a secure lead in the earlier game he benched Tatum in.
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Kerr’s decision comes at a time when Tatum is considered the top player on a Celtics squad that recently flaunted a 64-18 record and secured the NBA’s No. 1 seed, ultimately winning their 18th title. Notably, Tatum’s teammates Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are also representing Team USA and made appearances during the Serbia game, indicating Kerr may favor their defensive skills over Tatum’s.
“Tatum is on the cover of Sports Illustrated this month,” Cousy pointed out. “Many experts rank him among the top five players, and sometimes even No. 1. Kerr’s benching sends a different message.”
Even Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, criticized Kerr’s decision on social media regarding the vital elimination match.
Read More: Jayson Tatum’s Mom Slams Team USA’s Decision to Bench Him
Cousy remarked on his lack of knowledge about Kerr but emphasized the stark difference between giving a player minutes and not playing him at all—an action Kerr seemingly doubled down on.
Known for his basketball credentials, Cousy won six championships with Boston and was recognized as a 13-time All-Star and the 1957 league MVP. Even at 96 years old, he continues to have a keen insight into the game.
The ongoing dilemma appears to stem from Kerr’s concerns over positional overlap, as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, both All-NBA forwards, offer unique skills that Tatum struggles to match in certain areas.
The question remains: Will Tatum get the chance to play during the gold medal game against Team France, who features a formidable frontcourt led by Victor Wembanyama? That decision lies firmly in Kerr’s hands.