During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum surprisingly did not see much playing time for Team USA. After an NBA Finals win in 2024 and a record contract extension, Tatum appeared in just four games with Team USA and made three starts.

Tatum was not injured but had limited time on the field. He averaged just 17.7 minutes, 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Only Tyrese Haliburton played fewer games than Tatum for Team USA during the Olympics. All players except Tatum and Haliburton played in a total of five or six games.

Tatum’s father, Justin Tatum, believes his son has handled the lack of playing time during his Olympic run well, especially after Tatum was a key part of Team USA’s 2020 Tokyo gold medal-winning squad.

“He wasn’t okay with not playing,” Justin said. Marc J. Spears of Andscape. But he wasn’t sulking around the room or throwing chairs or a topic of conversation at dinner. He said he could stay with his family, stay at home, or do this, which is true. But he was happy to win the gold there and never played with LeBron (James), Steph (Curry) or KD (Kevin Durant). It was a great experience being around these guys and that was really what we talked about.”

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr opted for other playing combinations that limited Jayson’s playing time during the Olympics.

“It was fine with me if it made sense. “If it made sense not to play with him like a match,” Justin said, via Spears. “But if you can’t find time for that or something,” (USA head coach) Steve Kerr said. This doesn’t make much sense. (Jayson) had a long season and a long summer and I just wanted to make sure he was healthy. ‘I wanted to make sure you knew that at the end of the day you are still one of the best players out there. So regardless of the coach’s decision or if they felt they didn’t need you, we as coaches are not always right. I hope you take this as a sign of motivation and do not disrespect it. You are one of the top five players. Keep your head up.”

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