Boston Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, recently sat down with Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe to discuss the Olympic situations of Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With both players finding themselves in different circumstances regarding their involvement with Team USA, Stevens provided insights into their experiences and how they are handling the challenges.
When asked about Tatum’s situation, Stevens acknowledged how difficult it must be for him:
“It’s hard to not play, and I’m guessing it’s exponentially harder when you’re one of the best players in the world. But when we’ve talked, he’s been all about the team. This is such a unique opportunity to win a gold medal in the Olympics.”
“He’s always ready. The championship game will be a great road environment, and he shines in those situations.”
Jayson Tatum, one of the NBA’s premier talents, is participating in his second Olympic Games. However, this time around, he has found himself largely out of the rotation, an unexpected position for a player of his caliber.
Tatum has been a DNP (Did Not Play) in two of the five games so far, both of which were against Serbia, including the crucial semifinal matchup. In the three games he has played, Tatum has logged a total of just 60 minutes on the court.
Stevens’ comments reflect his confidence in Tatum’s ability to rise to the occasion, even in limited opportunities. Tatum’s readiness to contribute when called upon, despite his reduced role, is a testament to his maturity and professionalism.
When asked about Jaylen Brown’s situation, Stevens was diplomatic yet supportive.
“I just tell everybody how great our guys are, and then I stay out of it. I think that’s my role. I think Jaylen could be on any Olympic team any given year. He could be a featured part of those teams.”
“I saw Grant Hill said he’d love to sit down and talk to him about being part of that pool in ‘28, whatever that may be. But I think Jaylen is one of the best players in the world. And one of the best things about Jaylen is whether he gets the call and makes the team or doesn’t get the call, he’s going to use it as motivation to get better.”
“So I know he’s working and he’s excited about improving. I think he’ll truly embrace the challenges that come with winning last year. That’s who he’s always been. And this will probably add more fuel to his fire. But he doesn’t need much fuel added. He finds it.”
Stevens also touched on USA Basketball director Grant Hill’s comments, where Hill expressed interest in sitting down with Brown to discuss his potential involvement in the 2028 Olympics. While Brown may feel slighted by his omission, Stevens believes it will only serve as motivation. He is confident that Brown will channel this experience into further development, staying true to the driven and resilient player he has always been.
Unlike Tatum, Jaylen Brown was not selected for the initial Team USA squad, a decision that raised eyebrows given his standing as one of the league’s top players. Even when Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the team, it was Derrick White who was called up instead of Brown. Brown has expressed his frustration over not being included, and many have questioned the decision to leave him out.
Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown face unique challenges in their Olympic journeys, but their responses reflect the competitive spirit and professionalism that have made them leaders on and off the court for the Boston Celtics. Tatum’s willingness to embrace a reduced role for the greater good and Brown’s drive to prove himself on the world stage exemplifies the qualities that make them special players.
As they navigate these experiences, their focus remains on growth and excellence, qualities that will continue to serve them well in their careers.
Bob Cousy Hammers Steve Kerr For Snubbing Jayson Tatum
Celtics legend Bob Cousy has spoken out against Team USA’s head coach Steve Kerr for his decision not to play Jayson Tatum during the critical 95-91 semifinal victory over Serbia in the Paris Olympics. Cousy, who turned 96 on Friday, didn’t hold back his thoughts on what he considers an unjustifiable snub while speaking to Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe.
“This isn’t just a snub. This is an embarrassment for that poor kid all over the f***ing world. The Olympics have gotten that big. Everyone’s going to think that there’s something wrong this this kid. Somebody from Boston should stand up for this kid.
“In my judgment, this is going out of your way to embarrass one of your players. I don’t know Steve Kerr, and everything I’ve ever heard about him has been positive. But there’s such a difference between playing a guy for a few minutes as opposed to not playing him at all. And now he has doubled down on it.”
“Tatum is on the cover of Sports Illustrated this month. Any experts that I’ve read lately have chosen him in the top five, and sometimes No. 1 in the f***ing world. Now Kerr is telling the world that he doesn’t agree. In a 40-minute game, if you can’t find five minutes to play somebody on the team without hurting yourself.”
“When Kerr did it last week, he was in no danger of losing the game, but in this case they got down by 17 points and he’s got to worry about losing the game. And then to not let Tatum get off the bench — to me, there’s got to be some kind of bias that he’s got against the Celtics. He’s not alone there.”
“He’s certainly had an opportunity to access Tatum close up as an opponent. Now he’s got him. I’ve been through these emotions from a coaching standpoint. In 1973, I coached an American team that played against the Russians, who had just beaten us in the 1972 Olympics. I had Bill Walton, Ernie DiGregorio, Bobby Jones, Geroge Karl.”
” I had a pretty good unit. So I’ve been through the emotions from a coaching standpoint as to what you deal with in international competition.”
“Not playing Tatum at all says to the world, ‘Not only is he not top five, he’s not good enough to get into a close game.’ I can’t figure out Kerr’s thinking, and he’s done it twice, so he obviously feels strongly about it. He must think Tatum is a detriment, and I don’t see how he can feel that way and know anything about basketball.”
Celtics legend Bob Cousy has spoken out against Team USA’s head coach Steve Kerr for his decision not to play Jayson Tatum during the critical 95-91 semifinal victory over Serbia in the Paris Olympics. Cousy, who turned 96 on Friday, didn’t hold back his thoughts on what he considers an unjustifiable snub.
Cousy, who knows a thing or two about the pressures of international competition, pointed out that Tatum’s exclusion from the lineup is even more perplexing considering the current stature of the Celtics forward. Tatum graces the cover of Sports Illustrated this month, and many experts rank him among the top five players in the world, with some even considering him the best.
Cousy’s strong words underscore the frustration felt by many Celtics fans and supporters of Tatum, as the Olympic benching raises questions about the decisions being made by Team USA’s coaching staff.
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