Unacceptable and makes no sense': Jayson Tatum's mom lashes out after Celtics star's DNP in Team USA vs Serbia

Jayson Tatum's mom didn't hold back after her son’s DNP in Team USA's game against Serbia, voicing her frustration and sparking a heated conversation about the decision.

Updated on Aug 10, 2024  |  01:01 PM IST |  94.1K
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Jayson Tatum

The United States men's basketball team has advanced to the gold medal game at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, following a nail-biting semifinal victory over Serbia.

Team USA's thrilling comeback in the fourth quarter secured a 95-91 win, setting the stage for a showdown against France. However, one of the team's brightest stars, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, was notably absent from the action.

Despite being one of the NBA’s top performers, Tatum didn't play a single minute in the crucial semifinal match. His lack of playing time has left fans and analysts puzzled, especially given his proven track record in high-stakes games.

Jayson Tatum is not just any player; he’s a force on the court. Since 2020, no NBA player has outscored, outshot, or outplayed him in the playoffs. He’s a key figure for the Boston Celtics, leading his team to numerous victories and earning first-team All-NBA honors for three consecutive seasons.

Tatum’s performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he scored 19 points in just 21 minutes off the bench in the gold medal game against France, further cemented his reputation as a clutch player. Yet, in Paris, he has been largely sidelined, raising questions about the decision-making process behind Team USA’s rotations and whether Tatum will see any action in the upcoming final.

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As the Paris Olympics reach their climax, the decision to bench Jayson Tatum has become one of the most talked-about aspects of Team USA's campaign. Tatum's absence during the semifinal win over Serbia wasn’t his first time riding the pine in this tournament.

He was also kept out of the group stage victory against Serbia, only entering the quarterfinals against Brazil as the second-to-last player off the bench. For a player of Tatum’s caliber, this limited role is surprising, if not outright baffling.

Veteran basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale even took to Twitter to question whether Tatum might be dealing with an injury. However, Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, quickly dispelled that notion, confirming that her son is fully healthy.

Her response mirrored the confusion of many Celtics fans and basketball enthusiasts, who are left wondering why one of the NBA’s most reliable performers has been sidelined during such a critical tournament.

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Head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation decisions are certainly under scrutiny, especially given Tatum's history of delivering in big moments. As the United States prepares to face France in the gold medal game, the question lingers: will Tatum finally be given the opportunity to contribute?

Looking ahead to the gold medal game against France, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Team USA. Tatum’s potential involvement in the final remains uncertain, but his presence could be a game-changer.

Given his stellar track record and the crucial role he played in securing the gold in Tokyo, many believe Tatum deserves a significant role in the upcoming match. If coach Steve Kerr decides to keep Tatum on the bench, it would not only be a disservice to the player but also a missed opportunity for Team USA to leverage one of its strongest assets.

Tatum’s exclusion thus far has added an element of mystery to Team USA's Olympic journey. Fans are eager to see if Kerr will adjust his strategy and give Tatum the minutes he arguably deserves. As the team gears up for their final showdown against France, all eyes will be on the bench, waiting to see if the Celtics star will finally take the court. Regardless of the outcome, Tatum’s Olympic experience in Paris will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion long after the games have ended.

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