Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum entered this year’s Olympic Games as a fresh NBA champion, fully geared to contribute to Team USA’s quest for gold. However, his experience turned out to be less than expected, as he found himself sidelined for significant portions of the competition.
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The limited playing time raised eyebrows, leading to questions from fans and even Tatum’s father, Justin. He voiced his concerns in a phone interview from France.
“As a coach, I’d have no reservations about putting him in the game. I just don’t understand why he hasn’t played,” Justin Tatum explained to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
Justin Tatum says he would’ve found a way to give Jayson Tatum more minutes during the Olympics
“As a coach, I would have no reservations of playing him. As a coach I would find a way to play him. Why hasn’t he played? I don’t see it.”
(Via @ScoopB ) pic.twitter.com/QvMlPQecmb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 14, 2024
“It was challenging,” Tatum admitted regarding his limited role. “After winning a championship and then finding myself in an unfamiliar situation, it was tough. But I stayed focused and came to work every day.” He added that messages from supporters encouraged him to use the experience as motivation.
Justin Tatum, 45, knows a thing or two about the game, having played collegiate basketball before coaching high school teams for 16 years in Missouri.
Having emerged as a five-star recruit and standout at Duke, Tatum is not accustomed to sitting on the bench. Since joining the NBA, he’s been a cornerstone of the Celtics, leading the franchise back to prominence.
At only 26, Tatum remains a predominant force in the league, boasting five All-Star appearances, four All-NBA selections, and being named the 2023 All-Star MVP.
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