Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s mother is displeased with his limited playing time for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The 26-year-old forward spent the August 8 semifinal victory against Serbia, which ended 95-91, sitting on the bench. This was the second time Tatum did not see action in Team USA’s five Olympic games so far, with his first benching occurring in their opening group stage game against Serbia.
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale questioned on X whether Tatum’s reduced minutes might be due to an injury. In response, Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, expressed her frustration with head coach Steve Kerr’s decision to keep her son out of the lineup, saying, “No he’s not injured. But if you find out what’s going on, please let me know – it’s unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”
Tatum had previously described being benched in the first game as a “humbling experience” following his remarkable season. The five-time NBA All-Star earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year, won his first NBA Championship, signed the largest contract in NBA history this summer (a five-year deal worth $315 million), appeared on the cover of NBA 2K25, and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.
When asked about Draymond Green’s social media comments during the semifinal, Team USA coach Steve Kerr gave a lighthearted response. Speaking to Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky on 95.7 The Game, Kerr joked, “No,” Kerr said with a laugh. “Nor am I looking at his Twitter feed, so we’re very comfortable with the decisions we are making.”
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