Jrue Vacation reveals ideas on Jayson Tatum benching at Olympics

BOSTON — Whereas USA Basketball cruised to a different gold-medal run on the Paris Olympics, it did include some bits of controversy. Jayson Tatum was benched in a pair of video games on the Olympics, each of them coming towards Serbia. Tatum’s omission was a storyline because the C’s star was within the highlight as a result of he wasn’t on the courtroom for Workforce USA.

USA coach Steve Kerr drew criticism for the choice from completely different corners of the basketball world. Tatum admitted after the Olympics it was a tricky expertise and that he’s uncertain what he’ll do for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Regardless, the headlines had been actually there.

Celtics and USA Basketball teammate Jrue Vacation revealed his ideas on Tatum’s benching. Vacation spoke at a Elevating Cane’s occasion Wednesday in downtown Boston in celebration of the latest location for the restaurant.

“I feel everyone is aware of JT — he’s the final word skilled,” Vacation stated. “He already is aware of what it’s and what the final word purpose is. I don’t suppose he wanted any encouragement. I feel it’s extra so like staying prepared each time it’s his time to be known as.”

No matter a few of the controversy, the Individuals introduced house one other gold medal for the fifth straight Olympics. The C’s had heavy illustration on the staff because the staff featured Vacation, Tatum and guard Derrick White. The trio grew to become the primary in historical past to win an NBA title and Olympic gold medal in the identical calendar yr, in order that’s loads of successful.

Vacation stated on the occasion he’s nonetheless dwelling by way of the highs of successful the NBA championship in Boston. Vacation additionally had an identical summer season in 2021, when he received the title with the Bucks then a gold medal later on the Tokyo Olympics. Vacation additionally had loads of reward for Boston, saying successful it this summer season was additionally uniquely particular.

The Celtics might be proper within the thick of title rivalry this season, too, with an actual probability at going back-to-back. The entrance workplace introduced again just about the identical roster, re-signing some key gamers this summer season. However first, there’s nonetheless roughly a month earlier than coaching camp opens, which means Vacation will get to have fun the title and gold medal for a little bit longer.

“These are a few of the greatest gamers on this planet,” Vacation stated of Workforce USA. “It was enjoyable to go on the market and play. … It was an incredible expertise. Performed with some legends and towards some legends, and once more, introduced again some gold.”