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From NBA champions to Team USA: Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard have big summer ahead

Three Celtics are going all in for Team USA's activities, featuring the NBA's most talented.

By Jeremiah Artacho

The Boston Celtics are a major part of Team USA in 2024
The Boston Celtics are a major part of Team USA in 2024 / Ethan Miller/GettyImages
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Time is ticking and before you know it the 2024-25 NBA season is underway. But before that begins the Olympics are going to be action and three Boston Celtics are involved to help Team USA claim another gold medal yet again. If they were to do that then that would be five straight dating back to 2008 in Beijing.

This year's team features Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant but then you have Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, and Payton Pritchard representing the green team in France.

You're probably thinking, "Pritchard? I thought he wasn't on the team." Yes, you're right he's not but he is a part of the USA Basketball Men's Select Team. If you are unsure of what this team consists then here's a quick explanation.

"The USA Select Team features a roster of 12 current NBA or NBA G League players; two players with NBA, NBA G League, international, and USA Basketball experience; and one incoming college freshman with USA Basketball experience" (h/t USA Basketball).

Pritchard was most notable for his clutch buzzer-beater heave during Game 5 of the NBA Finals that sent the entire TD Garden into chaos.

Why is Team USA experience for Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard beneficial?

It may not be the entire Celtics roster that's playing in the Olympics or is on the USA select team but for key guys like Tatum (superstar), Holiday (glue-guy), and Pritchard (sixth-man) this only elevates them much more. The results will surely be reaped and become infectious (in a positive manner) within the locker room and on the court next season.

There's so much good that will come out of this opportunity as they'll be able to share their experiences, basketball strategies and ultimately bring the roster closer than they already are (crazy to think about considering what has happened.)

This needs to be looked at delightfully, it will serve Joe Mazzulla and his team well. Improvement is bound to happen and will continue to give them greater odds of winning the NBA championship once more.

Banner No. 19 looks like more of a real possibility as the clock continues to wind.

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