Trending topics:
NBA

NBA News: Carmelo Anthony gets real on Jayson Tatum’s lack of playing-time with Team USA at Olympics

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony shared his thoughts on Jayson Tatum’s surprising lack of playing time with Team USA during the Paris Olympics.

Jayson Tatum #10 of Team United States looks on prior to the Men's Gold Medal game
© Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesJayson Tatum #10 of Team United States looks on prior to the Men's Gold Medal game

Team USA secured its fifth consecutive gold medal by defeating France in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games final, a victory anticipated by many given the roster’s star power. However, not all of the team’s elite players saw the court as much as expected, and one of the most notable omissions was Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.

Certainly the basketball stage was shocked to see Team USA’s debut at the Paris Olympics against Serbia and to see Jayson Tatum not playing a single minute in the opening game.

This decision by head coach Steve Kerr, who also limited Tatum’s minutes in subsequent games, sparked widespread criticism. Kerr later referred to Tatum’s limited role as a “math problem,” citing the challenges of managing a deep and talented roster.

Advertisement

Carmelo Anthony’s take on Tatum’s situation

In a recent episode of the podcast ‘7PM in Brooklyn,’ former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony gave his candid opinion on Tatum’s situation with Team USA. Anthony suggested that the blame lies partly with Steve Kerr and the Team USA coaching staff for not clearly communicating their plans to the players.

Advertisement
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket past Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers. Harry How/Getty Images

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket past Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers. Harry How/Getty Images

“I understand why Tatum may not have played… but I don’t agree with how they went about it,” Anthony said. “I’m cool with you saying ‘he’s not gonna play.’ Just be honest, because this is where we have the lack of communication. Talk to me; you already know where you see me at on this depth chart. So if I’m Tatum, I would be pissed… This is the side of basketball I love to talk about. He’s got one of the greatest resumes in the last five years. What he went through, I want everybody to see that. The whole world knew he was pissed, but he was resilient.”

Advertisement
LeBron James, Bronny get to know date for potential first NBA game together on Lakers

see also

Tatum, a five-time All-Star, was coming off a championship-winning season with the Celtics, making Kerr’s decision to bench him even more surprising. While managing minutes and rotations for a roster as talented as Team USA’s is no easy task, Anthony believes Kerr could have handled the situation with Tatum much better.

ALSO READ

NBA News: Kings star adds fuel to the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT debate
NBA

NBA News: Kings star adds fuel to the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT debate

NFL News: Justin Tucker sends clear message to Ravens after missed field goals in loss against Steelers
NFL

NFL News: Justin Tucker sends clear message to Ravens after missed field goals in loss against Steelers

NFL News: Jared Goff demands more from Lions, sends strong warning ahead of Super Bowl push
NFL

NFL News: Jared Goff demands more from Lions, sends strong warning ahead of Super Bowl push

NBA News: Jason Kidd, Mavericks receive disappointing Luka Doncic injury update
NBA

NBA News: Jason Kidd, Mavericks receive disappointing Luka Doncic injury update

Better Collective Logo