Jayson Tatum Did Not Play A Single Second Despite Being Fit And Cleared To Play

Jayson Tatum did not play a single second in Team USA's dominating 110-84 victory over Serbia, despite being fit and cleared to play.

This led to speculation and chatter about the possible reasons for his absence. Some thought he might be sick, given recent reports that several USA players weren't feeling well over the past few days. Keith Smith even tweeted about this , noting Tatum's different attire and lack of his usual game-day energy.

However, during the post-game interview, Tatum clarified that he wasn't sick and was feeling good. His absence on the court was a surprise, especially considering his status as a top player and his recent achievements, including winning his first NBA title with the Boston Celtics.

While Tatum's absence raised eyebrows, Team USA didn't seem to need his contributions against Serbia. LeBron James and Kevin Durant led the charge, with both players delivering stellar performances. LeBron nearly secured a triple-double with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Durant scored 23 points, including a perfect first half where he went 8-for-8 from the field and 5-for-5 from three-point range.

Tatum's Celtics teammates, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday , both played significant minutes and contributed to the team's victory. White and Holiday's heavy involvement highlighted the depth and talent of Team USA , which allowed them to dominate without Tatum's presence on the floor.

Despite not playing, Tatum's fitness and readiness suggest that his role in upcoming games could be crucial. The team’s decision to rest him might have been strategic, ensuring he is at peak performance for the more challenging matchups ahead in the tournament.

As Team USA continues its Olympic campaign, fans will be eager to see Tatum back in action, contributing to what looks to be a promising run for the gold medal.

Steve Kerr Says Jayson Tatum Will Get A Chance In The Upcoming Days

Steve Kerr has assured fans that Jayson Tatum will have his opportunities to shine in the upcoming days of the Olympics. Tatum's absence from the court during Team USA's commanding 110-84 victory over Serbia raised questions and sparked speculation. However, Kerr clarified that the decision was primarily about integrating Kevin Durant back into the mix .

Kerr acknowledged that Tatum's status was a straightforward DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach's Decision).

"I went with the combinations that made sense," Kerr explained. "That was for tonight. He handled it well. He’ll make his mark."

Durant's return from injury necessitated adjustments to the lineup, and Kerr chose to prioritize those rotations for this particular game. The strategy paid off, with Durant putting on a spectacular performance, scoring 23 points, including a perfect shooting display in the first half.

Despite not seeing any game time, Tatum's presence on the bench didn't go unnoticed. He supported his teammates and stayed engaged, displaying professionalism and a team-first attitude. Kerr appreciated Tatum's understanding and patience, indicating that his time would come.

Tatum, coming off his first NBA title with the Boston Celtics, has shown his capability to perform at the highest levels. His Celtics teammates, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, played significant roles in the game, further demonstrating the depth of Team USA's roster.

Kerr's reassurance that Tatum will have his chance is a promising sign for fans eager to see the young star in action. Tatum’s versatility and scoring ability are valuable assets that will undoubtedly be called upon as Team USA progresses through the tournament.

As the competition intensifies, Tatum's opportunity to contribute will be crucial. Kerr's confidence in Tatum's ability to "make his mark" suggests that when his moment arrives, Tatum will be ready to step up and deliver for Team USA.

Related: Fans React As LeBron James, Kevin Durant, And Team USA Decimate Serbia In 2024 Olympics Opener

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