Jayson Tatum quickly became a central figure for Team USA at the Olympics, but not for his on-court performance.
The Boston Celtics star made headlines when head coach Steve Kerr decided to bench him during Team USA’s opening win against Serbia, a move that sparked considerable debate. Kerr’s rationale for the decision was met with skepticism.
In Team USA’s subsequent victory over South Sudan, Kerr ensured Tatum was back in action. The five-time NBA All-Star started the game, played 17 minutes, and helped secure a place in the Olympic quarterfinals.
After the win, Tatum spoke about Kerr’s decision for the first time. True to his character, he remained diplomatic. “Of course, as a competitor, you want to play,” Tatum told reporters, as noted by The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. “But I’m not here to make it about me. We won, and I was happy to get back on the court. There was a lot of talk recently, but I stayed positive and didn’t hold any grudges.”
Despite the opportunity to dominate offensively against South Sudan, Tatum played within the team’s structure. He only took four shots, finishing with four points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Tatum acknowledged that being benched was a rare experience for someone of his NBA caliber. He described it as a “humbling experience” that offered him a fresh perspective. “You can be frustrated as a competitor, but it’s also a chance to understand and empathize with teammates who don’t always get to play. It’s a learning experience, and I’m moving forward from it.”