Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum had every reason to let his frustrations surface during the Olympics, especially after being benched by Team USA head coach Steve Kerr in two out of six games.
Despite leading the Celtics to an NBA title and being a four-time All-NBA selection, Tatum found himself on the sidelines, playing limited minutes in other games. Given the criticism Kerr faced for sidelining one of the NBA’s top talents, many would have understood if Tatum had confronted him. However, Tatum chose a different path.
In a recent interview, Tatum revealed that he did not confront Kerr about his lack of playing time. Instead, he prioritized the team’s success over his individual aspirations, which led to Team USA securing a gold medal in Paris.
“No, I just stayed a professional,” Tatum shared. “I came to work every day. Just stay ready. We got great guys on this team, and while you feel like you deserve to play… your job as a player is to stay ready whenever your number is called.”
Tatum’s approach was shaped by his experiences with the Celtics, where he witnessed role players embracing their roles without complaint during Boston’s championship run. His Olympic experience, though challenging, didn’t deter his commitment to the team.
Reflecting on the situation, Tatum said:
“It was challenging… But you know, I didn’t want to make it about me… We won. I’m happy about that.”
Despite the difficulties, Tatum remains open to representing Team USA in the 2028 Olympics, demonstrating his dedication to the sport and his team, regardless of personal setbacks.
