Jayson Tatum Admits True Feelings About Being Benched By Team USA

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was benched during Team USA's 110-84 victory over Serbia on July 28. Following that game, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that he felt like an "idiot" for not playing the NBA champion. He ended up putting Tatum into the starting lineup for Team USA's matchup against South Sudan on Wednesday.

Team USA took the win, 103-86, with the Celtics forward finishing with four points and five rebounds in 17 minutes.

After the opportunity to play against South Sudan, Tatum opened up about his feelings when he didn't see the floor in the first game of the group phase.

"You win a championship, new contract, NBA 2K25, Sports Illustrated... So, after all of this, it's definitely a humbling experience," Tatum said.

Tatum is fresh off his first NBA title with the Celtics. He also recently signed a five-year, $315 million contract extension and was announced as the NBA 2K25 cover athlete.

He may be a star in the league, but with established veterans like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in the lineup, Kerr believed Tatum had to take a backseat against Serbia.

Tatum finished the 2023–24 NBA season averaging 26.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He was ranked as the No. 7 scorer in the league, ultimately helping Boston dominate the playoffs with a 16-3 record.

The 26-year-old entered the Paris Olympics having played in the Tokyo Games in 2020. He currently has three gold medals in non-Olympic international play , having competed in the 2013 FIBA U16 Americas Championship, the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship, and the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship.

Boston's star will have another chance to shine at the Olympics on Aug. 3 at 11:15 a.m. ET when Team USA takes on Puerto Rico.

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