Jayson Tatum's mother, Brandy Cole, cleared up any confusion about whether or not her son is injured amidst a continued absence for Team USA at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The Boston Celtics star picked up a second DNP-CD in their semifinal matchup against Serbia.
So, is Tatum hurt? No, he is not. But that simply adds to the confusion, as his mom is not happy about his Team USA playing time.
Cole, like every Celtics fan watching, doesn't understand why Steve Kerr is keeping Tatum on the pine.
Tatum's mother answered ESPN college basketball analyst and former collegiate and NBA head coach Dick Vitale's question on Twitter. He was pleading for answers since the All-NBA star wasn't getting playing time commensurate with a player of his caliber.
No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know - unacceptable and makes NO SENSE. https://t.co/vtz1W398XJ
— BCole_Esq (@Brandy_N_Cole) August 9, 2024
Jayson Tatum's mom answers potential injury concerns after second Team USA benching vs. Serbia
Tatum has never been anything but a team player on America's national team despite the perceived unfair treatment from Kerr. After his first benching against Serbia, he claimed that he didn't want to make the Olympics about him and chose not to complain about it.
"It's a unique situation, and it's not about one individual player, competitor in you wants to play obviously, but I'm not here to make a story about myself," Tatum said via BasketNews. "You win a championship, new contract, NBA 2K25 cover, Sports Illustrated... so after all of this, it's definitely a humbling experience."
Tatum could get the minutes being given to Anthony Edwards given the malleability of defense-first rotation fixtures like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, coincidentally his Celtics teammates. He also could get more of the minutes Bam Adebayo gets in double-big lineups with Anthony Davis.
Regardless of how it could be done, finding time for Tatum should be a priority for Kerr and Team USA. But it's unclear if Kerr is going to play him against France in the gold medal game.
If this is just mind games to instill doubt into Tatum, Kerr is a mad genius. Otherwise, this is just rotation malpractice. Regardless, Tatum's mom, and much of the basketball world, is not happy.