"It’s a weird rhythm thing" - Jayson Tatum aiming to move past Olympics campaign without many complaints
It was an eventful summer for Jayson Tatum as he was running with the ecstatic feeling of being an NBA Champion, the highest-paid athlete and the cover of NBA 2K25.
However, his inconsistent playing time at the Olympics was a huge topic of discussion. In an interview with The Athletic's Jared Weiss, Tatum argued that rhythm could have been a factor in his inability to make jump shots.
It started when the Celtics star received his first DNP in Team USA's Group Play game against Serbia. Coach Steve Kerr pointed out that it was more because of matchup purposes, alongside Kevin Durant's impressive return on the basketball court.
Tatum would then receive some playing minutes either as part of the starting five or coming off the bench.
However, he ended up receiving his second DNP in the semifinal meeting against Serbia. Jayson Tatum's comments were also shared by user NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral).
"I know I didn't make a jump shot when I was with Team USA," Tatum said. "I don't know [it's the] law of averages. It's a weird rhythm thing being with Team USA; you never exactly know when you're going to get the ball. But that's part of it. You sign up for that because I've done it before [in Tokyo]."
The Paris 2024 Olympics wasn't the Celtics star's first rodeo at the international setting. He was one of the pivotal pieces in 2020 that helped Team USA capture an Olympic gold against France. This time around, he was part of a stacked roster filled with superstar and elite two-way talent left and right.
It has been a strong topic of discussion considering his All-NBA stature in the league, coupled with the fact that he is coming off his first title. However, Jayson Tatum knew what he signed up for when he joined the roster. Managing a balance with all players was a priority if they were going to win it all.
Jayson Tatum talked about new territory he has entered following his first NBA Championship
There are a lot of highs to be experienced when a player secures his first NBA Championship. Recognition increases, as does one's popularity in the sport. However, the five-time All-Star didn't anticipate the discussions that would follow suit, as per The Athletic's Jared Weiss.
"There was a period of, 'Is he a superstar or not? ... Is he championship-ready now? ... How could he not get in the [Olympics]?'" Tatum said. ... "I just won a championship ... It might be nice to have a little break where you don't turn on ESPN and they're talking about you. But I guess this is a part of it, and that may be a level that I've reached now in my career."
With Jayson Tatum's ability to end the narratives surrounding superstars and champions, a new wave of questions and topics will come his way.
Similar to how Tatum adjusted to his Olympic time, he acknowledged that it will be a similar process when it comes to the kind of media coverage he has been receiving.