BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Steve Kerr’s decision to bench Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum during Team USA’s Olympic campaign in Paris caused a great deal of controversy.
The Golden State Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, acknowledged that it was difficult to find minutes for everyone, even for Tatum, an NBA champion and part of the All-NBA First Team.
Steve Kerr’s decision to bench Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum during Team USA’s Olympic campaign in Paris caused a great deal of controversy. The Golden State Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, acknowledged that it was difficult to find minutes for everyone, even for Tatum, an NBA champion and part of the All-NBA First Team. Tatum claimed that he carried on with his work and remained professional in spite of the circumstances. He ultimately captured his second gold medal at the Olympics. In a recent interview with Steve Aschburner of NBA.com, Kerr stated that given his treatment of Tatum, he anticipates a hostile reception from Celtics supporters when the Warriors arrive to Beantown this season. “I think they’re going to be all over me,” Kerr replied. “That’s fine.”
In his most recent piece, Aschburner approached Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla about Tatum’s benching in Paris and shared Kerr’s statement with him. He stated that his star forward won’t have any issues. “I expect JT to come in with the utmost motivation regardless of what happened to him in the summer,” Mazzulla said. “Everything nowadays is so short-sighted.”He still has a lot of time left. Ebbs and flows are going to accompany that. He is aware of that. One thing about him remains constant no matter what happens: his work ethic, habits, and perspective.”
Tatum’s scoring dropped to 26.9 points per game in the previous campaign, but observers recognized improvements in his playmaking, one-on-one defense, and general court awareness. Mazzulla conceded that as the reigning champions, they will have a target on their back. He praised their commitment to following the procedure and carrying out “bigger due diligence.”
