$314 million Jayson Tatum ‘humbled’ by Paris Olympics 2024 experience after winning NBA title

Jayson Tatum did not play for a single minute against Serbia in Olympics opener.

$314 million Jayson Tatum ‘humbled’ by Paris Olympics 2024 experience after winning NBA title

$314 million Team USA star Jayson Tatum humbled by Paris Olympics 2024 benching against Serbia, despite winning NBA title

In their first game of the Paris Olympics 2024, Team USA men’s basketball dominated Serbia. Owing to the nature of their opponent, head coach Steve Kerr did not play Jayson Tatum even for a minute. That did bring a lot of backlash. Many analysts and fans called for the NBA title winner to be included. However, that experience resonated with the Boston Celtics superstar differently.

After today’s win against South Sudan, the All-NBA forward was asked about not playing in the Serbia game. He responded by saying:

It's a unique situation, and it's not about one individual player, competitor in you wants to play obviously, but I'm not here to make a story about myself. You win a championship, new contract, NBA 2K25 cover, Sports Illustrated... So after all of this, it's definitely a humbling experience.
Jason Tatum via BasketNews

That is saying a lot considering any other player would have demanded Kerr to play him enough minutes. But he knows everyone has a role on such a star-studded team.

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Therefore, different game plans will require the use of different players. For instance, Joel Embiid was left out of the match against South Sudan yesterday at the Paris Olympics 2024. He did not even suit up. This incident shows that it was a collective decision, much like what might have happened with Tatum.

Jayson Tatum‘s game was needed in this game more than against Serbia. He knows that. This is why, after winning an NBA title, becoming the highest-paid player ever, and gracing the cover of NBA 2K25, sitting on the bench humbled him.

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Jayson Tatum is crucial to the future of Team USA’s Olympics hopes

Jayson Tatum is one of the only five American players under 30 to be voted to an All-NBA team. He also is the sole first teamer in that list and was Top 5 in MVP voting for most of the season. All that indicates that he should be the de facto leader of Team USA basketball going forward. He will have Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton alongside him.

But with a view toward the future, Team USA might have wanted Tatum to fight for his place on the team. That is, not handing it away that easily. Such a move can, as he accepted, humble him. But more importantly, it can motivate him to step up and lead the team once the veteran superstars hang up their national jerseys.

Tatum has so far been the flag bearer for American players in the NBA where international players dominate the award rankings. With future international teams expected to become stronger, Team USA needs Jayson Tatum to be the next alpha at future the Olympics.

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