Jayson Tatum sends strong message on being selected for 2024 Team USA roster
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics are sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference as the No. 1 seed, awaiting their opponent for an April 21 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals matchup at the TD Garden. The star is currently averaging 27 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. All while shooting 47% from the field throughout the season.
After the Cs conclude their upcoming postseason run, Tatum, along with at least one other Cs teammate, will be going on another pursuit of gold: helping America's Olympic squad win Gold medals in Paris, France.
Tatum expressed his feelings and his proud accomplishment of being able to run it back in red, white, and blue after winning the gold in 2021 during the delayed (due to COVID-19) 2020 Tokyo Games.
“It’s extremely special,” Tatum said (h/t Boston.com). “I played on three USA teams when I was in high school. I got to wear No. 10 all three of those years, knowing that my favorite player wore No. 10 for the national team. I played on the FIBA World Cup team in ’19 and had No. 10, and in 2021 I had No. 10 on that team. It’s something I don’t take for granted or lightly. I know what comes with wearing that number.”
Jayson Tatum embracing representing America for Team USA in 2024 Olympics
Tatum has experienced a lot of success in the NBA (just short of an NBA Finals Championship), but he takes pride in being able to represent something bigger than an organization—his country.
Team USA has had a very unique history of storylines where it all lies with the Dream Team, which consisted of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and arguably the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan. Then you have the Redeem Team back in 2008, headlined by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade. A team that had the entire United States scratching its head wondering if they were capable enough of winning the gold medal after heartbreaking results in 2004.
In case you did not know, the Redeem Team won it all, claiming gold over the Pau Gasol-led Spain squad.
It's not lost on Tatum that he'll be part of one of sports' greatest dynasties this summer.
“It’s an honor,” Tatum said. “Something I’ve always wanted to do growing up. I’m excited about my second opportunity to play in the Olympics this summer.”
There's without a doubt that Tatum is ready and prepared to fight for his country on the basketball court. It could be said that the rest of the NBA, not only Boston Celtics fans, are too.