Report: Jayson Tatum to play for Team USA in upcoming Olympics
Jayson Tatum will become the first member of the Boston Celtics to play for Team USA in the Olympics since Larry Bird in 1992.
Apr 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after his basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
David Butler II-USA TODAYOn Tuesday night, Jayson Tatum was left off the All-NBA teams for the 2020-2021 season. However, he'll soon have a chance to show the whole world that he's one of the best in the game.
According to Yahoo's Chris Haynes, Tatum has committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Tatum will become the first Celtics player to play for Team USA on the Olympic stage since Larry Bird suited up for the Dream Team in 1992.
Although it's his first Olympic action, this is the fifth time Tatum has been chosen to represent his country on the court. In the past, he's played for the U-16, U-17, and U-19 teams, he participated in the 2016 Nike Hoops Summit, and was a member of the USMNT for the 2019 World Cup. In 27 career international games - with seven starts - Tatum has averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Due to the COVID pandemic, what were originally scheduled to be the '2020 games' will take place next month in Japan. The men's basketball tournament will begin with a qualifying round, which tips off July 25. Team USA is in a preliminary pool with Iran, France, and a fourth to-be-determined country.
Tatum isn't the only NBA star to recently commit to playing for Team USA this summer. Damian Lillard and Draymond Green also reportedly committed to the team on Tuesday. Bradley Beal is expected to join the squad as well, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Gregg Popovich will serve as the coach, taking over for Mike Krzyzewski, who ran the team for the previous three Olympic tournaments.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
