Jayson Tatum has a different role with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alongside legitimate NBA stars and future Basketball Hall of Famers, Tatum has been relegated to a supporting role, though, that’s fine by the Boston Celtics star.
Via Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe (h/t HoopsHype):
When he was asked afterward about the challenges of finding a rhythm with his role fluctuating so much, he chuckled before answering. “I don’t know,” Tatum said. “Each game is extremely different, but the main thing is that we win, so whatever we’ve got to do or I’ve got to do from game to game to be a part of that and contribute when I can, I’m going to do that.”
It can be recalled that Tatum’s “benching” during Team USA’s first game in Paris against Serbia caused quite a stir on the internet, with fans and media personalities having all sorts of reactions to head coach Steve Kerr’s decision not to give the former Duke Blue Devils star minutes.
Nevertheless, Tatum and the Americans keep on winning in the tournament, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters for Team USA, which is only two wins away from taking home another Olympic gold medal.
So far in the Paris Games, Tatum is averaging 6.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 38.9 percent from the field.
Team USA is scheduled to face Serbia again in the semifinals this Thursday.
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