“Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Breaks Silence on USA Olympic Benching: ‘I Still Don’t Know Why'”
Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images
Fresh off leading his team to an NBA championship, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum sat out two of Team USA’s six Olympic games.
He also struggled on the court, averaging 5.3 points on 38.1 percent shooting in 17.7 minutes per game.
At Celtics Media Day on Tuesday, Tatum noted that he hasn’t “figured out” why he didn’t see much playing time.
“Did I need any extra motivation coming into the season? No, I’m not gonna give anybody in particular credit that they’re motivating me to come into the season,” Tatum said, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“It was a unique circumstance, something I haven’t experienced before in my playing career. But I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason. I was coming off a championship, highest of highs, cover of 2K, a new contract, and that happened. Whatever the reason is, I haven’t figured out yet. But I am a believer that everything happens for a reason.
Understandably, it may have a been a tough pill for Tatum to swallow. He simply wasn’t a featured player on Team USA as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant ultimately led the way.
However, Tatum is looking at the bright side, too, starting with the fact that he’s now the owner of two gold medals.
“But it was a good experience,” Tatum said.
“We won a gold medal, I won my second one, I was around some of the best players to play the game on a daily basis, build some friendships and was able to bring my family out there and enjoy the Olympics as a whole. So that was a plus for me, for sure.”
Tatum now has to pivot quickly as the Celtics, who are the preseason favorites for the NBA title, find themselves in a great position to win back-to-back championships and the franchise’s 19th overall.
The C’s are led by head coach Joe Mazzulla. On Tuesday, Tatum joked that his lack of playing time and ceding NBA Finals MVP honors to Jaylen Brown may make Mazzulla happy since the coach sees both as extra fuel for the seven-year veteran.
“Motivation? I guess you could say that, if you want to simplify it,” Tatum said. “In real time, [not playing in the Olympics] was tough. And Joe, I talked to Joe a lot. Joe was probably the happiest person in the world that I didn’t win Finals MVP and I didn’t play in two games of the Olympics. That was odd, but if you know Joe, it makes sense.”
Ultimately, all of this is history for Tatum, who now moves on to a new season. And for what it’s worth, he could still very well find himself on the Olympic team in 2028, when the Summer Games are held in Los Angeles.
But for now, the focus is on 2024-25, and a season that starts Oct. 22 against the New York Knicks.
News
Jennifer Lopez: The Hidden Dark Side of a Pop Icon
Jennifer Lopez: The Hidden Dark Side of a Pop Icon Jennifer Lopez, the multi-talented star who rose from the Bronx to become one of the biggest names in pop and R&B, has long been celebrated for her success and glamorous…
Meghan Markle and her summer look that drove lovers of silent luxury crazy
Meghan Markle and her summer look that drove lovers of silent luxury crazy Meghan Markle is revolutionizing street style and if you like her want to feel comfortable, fresh (without sacrificing style), this article is of interest to you! If the Duchess of…
Princess Catherine Gorgeous In A Shimmering Dress For Romantic Date Night With William Made Fans Swoon
Princess Catherine Gorgeous In A Shimmering Dress For Romantic Date Night With William Made Fans Swoon She’s back and from what we can tell already, she’s better than ever before. We’ve got everything that you need to know about Kate…
Princess Catherine Stuns In A NAUTICAL JUMPERS And Wide Leg Trousers For SAILING REGATTA In The Isle Of Wight
Princess Catherine Stuns In A NAUTICAL JUMPERS And Wide Leg Trousers For SAILING REGATTA In The Isle Of Wight Princess Catherine stuns in a nautical jumper from Sandro paired with wide-leg trousers during the sailing regatta in the Isle of…
THE DRAMA UNFOLDING IN THE ROYAL FAMILY
THE DRAMA UNFOLDING IN THE ROYAL FAMILY Can you believe all the royal drama unfolding these days? It seems like every week there’s a new scandal rocking the British monarchy. And let me tell you, the current situation is one…
“I apologize for lying,” Meghan pleaded helplessly, begging Kate for forgiveness and permission to return to the royal family, accompanied by a special request.
“I apologize for lying,” Meghan pleaded helplessly, begging Kate for forgiveness and permission to return to the royal family, accompanied by a special request. Meghan Markle is reportedly eager to mend fences with Princess Kate and has extended an olive…
End of content
No more pages to load