Jayson Tatum Struggles to Find Role with Team USA Ahead of Serbia Semifinal Clash

Team USA is poised to compete against Serbia in the semifinals on Thursday night, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has struggled to integrate with the team's top scorers.

When questioned by the Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach about the challenges of finding consistency in his role with Team USA, Tatum simply responded , "I don't know."

“Each game is extremely different, but the main thing is that we win, so whatever we’ve got to do or I’ve got to do from game to game to be a part of that and contribute when I can, I’m going to do that,” he said.

Tatum's Olympic journey started with a notable setback. Head coach Steve Kerr did not play him in the team's first game against Serbia, leading to broad debate.

Kerr later confessed he "felt like an idiot" for not utilizing Tatum, but he commended the Celtics star for his professional conduct. Kerr selected lineups he thought were the most effective, favoring players such as Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White over Tatum.

Upon his return to play against South Sudan, Tatum spoke about being benched, calling it a "humbling experience."

In the contest against South Sudan, Tatum started and played for 17 minutes and 20 seconds, scoring four points, securing ive rebounds, providing two assists, and achieving one block on 2-of-4 shooting from the field.

While his stats were not outstanding, his contributions were significant in rebounding, orchestrating offensive plays, and utilizing his defensive reach.

In the game against Puerto Rico, Tatum achieved his first Olympic career double-double. With his Celtics teammate Jrue Holiday sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in the victory over South Sudan, Tatum assumed the starting position.

He began strongly, scoring six points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting int he first seven minutes. In addition, Tatum notched two steals, two rebounds, and an assist early in the game.

Tatum finished with 10 points, tying with Puerto Rico's Ismael Romero for a game-high 10 rebounds. He also added three assists, two steals, and a plus-nine in the plus-minus column, playing a pivotal role in Team USA's robust showing.

In the game against Brazil, Tatum was the 11th player to enter, joining the game two minutes into the second quarter after Celtics teammates Holiday and Derrick White.

Related: Draymond Green Criticizes Steve Kerr for Limiting Jayson Tatum's Role on Team USA in Paris Olympics