There is a problem in Paris for Jayson Tatum and it’s showing on his face.
The three-time All-NBA first-team player, Celtics cornerstone, and NBA champion has been benched for two Team USA games by coach Steve Kerr, getting no minutes in both games against Serbia, including the thrilling semifinal Thursday.
While the Americans were falling behind and Kerr was seeking answers to contain Serbia’s hot shooting, Tatum sat and didn’t even appear to be an option. What’s also apparent is that Kerr does not consider Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton worth playing meaningful minutes.
The basketball world had no idea Tatum would soon be joining that list when Team USA reached Paris after a five-game exhibition schedule. Tatum has not shot the ball well in Olympic competition — 7 for 18 overall and 0 for 3 from the 3-point line — with six rebounds and one steal.
Tatum has been pressing, sometimes trying too hard to get to the basket or thinking before his moves instead of going on instinct. It’s understandable. There are so many stars on Team USA, so much talent, that Tatum desperately wants to prove he belongs, even though he thought he already did.
But there are some factors that are leading to Tatum’s regrettable Team USA experience. First, the inclusion of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid basically pushed Tatum to the bench, especially since Kerr wants a staunch defender in the lineup — Jrue Holiday — and Kerr has a preference for Devin Booker as the shooting guard.
When Kevin Durant returned from a calf injury to play in the opener against Serbia, Tatum was pushed to the end of the bench. Kerr could have sliced Anthony Edwards’s minutes but he didn’t, which is interesting.
While Edwards is not the best passer or defender, he has been sparkling from the field (26 for 43, 60.5 percent) and from the 3-point line (10 for 22, 45 percent). Tatum hasn’t come close to those numbers, but he’s also deferred to Edwards and others while he’s on the floor. Edwards has made sure he gets his shots up during whatever minutes he receives; Tatum has decided to play more in the flow of the game.
The Team USA experience was supposed to cap a magnificent summer for Tatum, who just helped the Celtics to their 18th championship, is on the cover of NBA 2K25, and has a children’s book release in a few weeks. Instead, he is frustrated and upset, according to those close to him, mystified why he’s not getting a fair opportunity to play, especially in games such as the semifinal with Serbia when USA looked apathetic and erratic for the first three quarters.
Tatum isn’t even an option? A consideration? When asked by the Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, Kerr said it’s simply a numbers game. He can’t carve out the time for 12 players in a 40-minute game. Somehow, however, Team USA women’s coach Cheryl Reeve manages to play all 12 of her players in a roster that’s just as talented as the men’s.
But should Tatum go public with his frustration? Is he too nice of a guy here? It’s probably best for Tatum to remain a team player until the Olympics are over, he returns to the United States, and perhaps he can privately express his issues with Team USA director Grant Hill, who recruited Tatum for this team.
At this point, Tatum has to be embarrassed. His résumé shows he deserves more of an opportunity and there are players on the roster, such as Curry, who struggled but received enough grace and opportunity to have a breakout game. Curry saved Team USA against Serbia because there was never a possibility he would lose minutes with his Golden State coach.
Kerr’s issues with Tatum are curious at best, and unfair and demoralizing at worst. And this experience is something that Tatum will have to reflect on and determine whether he has a long-term future with USA Basketball.
