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PARIS — Jayson Tatum’s Olympic experience has certainly not gone as planned. It has become clear the Celtics’ All-Star forward is the 11th man in the US national team’s 12-man rotation, which has led to him watching the biggest moments rather than participating in them.
On Thursday night, Tatum did not play in Team USA’s 95-91 semifinal comeback win over Serbia. He also sat out last week’s group stage game against Serbia and was the 11th player to appear in the quarterfinal win over Brazil.
On Friday, as the US prepared for Saturday’s gold-medal game against France, US coach Steve Kerr elaborated on his decisions regarding Tatum’s playing time.
“It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson; it’s what I’ve seen from the other guys,” Kerr said. “Like I’ve said many times during this tournament and the last six weeks, it’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game.
“Our second unit was not great last night, but that group has been one of the bright spots on this team, especially on the defensive end. So it’s not about what Jayson is doing or not doing. It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin [Durant] has filled in since he came back from his injury. It’s just a math problem more than anything.”
After the Brazil win, Tatum was asked about the challenges of finding a rhythm while having such a limited role, and he chuckled before answering, as if to indicate that it has not been easy.
“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.”
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said he empathized with Tatum’s situation, but he is confident that he is approaching it with a proper mindset.
“It’s hard to not play, and I’m guessing it’s exponentially harder when you are one of the best players in the world,” Stevens said Friday. “But when we’ve talked, he’s been all about the team. This is such a unique opportunity to win a gold medal in the Olympics. He’s always ready. The championship game will be a great road environment, and he shines in those situations.”
Tatum, a three-time first-team All-NBA performer, is currently behind less heralded Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Derrick White in the US national team’s rotation. He did not take part in interviews following Thursday’s win —normal procedure for someone who did not play. But his mother, Brandy Cole, spoke up for him on X, formerly Twitter, following the game.
After the ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale posted on X asking whether Tatum’s lack of playing time is due to an injury, Cole shared that post with her own response.
“No he not,” she wrote. “But if you find out what’s going on please let me know—unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.
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