No! Tatum’s Public Feud Unravels Team USA: A New Era of Chaos

Jayson Tatum has undeniably been the biggest winner of this summer. Over the past 55 days, he secured his first NBA Championship, signed the largest contract in NBA history—a staggering five-year, $315 million deal—and added another Olympic gold medal to his collection. But despite these monumental achievements, there’s a glaring blemish on his summer of success: his role on the USA Basketball team during the Paris Olympics under Steve Kerr’s coaching.

Tatum, despite his superstar status, did not get the recognition or playing time he expected on Team USA. In what was arguably the most crucial game of the tournament—a showdown against the formidable Serbian team—Tatum was benched for the entire game, receiving a DNP (Did Not Play). The snub left him fuming, and it wasn’t long before his frustration spilled into the public eye. When a certain rapper tweeted, “We will get revenge for Tatum,” the NBA star didn’t hesitate to share it on his social media, making it clear that he wasn’t afraid to air his grievances publicly.

In interviews following the Olympics, Tatum didn’t hold back, expressing disappointment in his role with the team. He admitted that the experience left a sour taste in his mouth, but maintained that it wouldn’t deter him from future international play. However, when pressed on whether he would commit to the 2028 Olympics, Tatum’s response was notably noncommittal—saying only that he would “consider it.” His reluctance to make even a superficial commitment suggests that his resolve to represent Team USA has been seriously undermined, much like his Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown.

Both Tatum and Brown seem disillusioned with Team USA, albeit for different reasons. While Tatum’s dissatisfaction stems from his friction with Coach Kerr, Brown’s issues appear to be with Team USA’s General Manager, Grant Hill. Despite Hill extending an invitation to Brown to be a part of the 2028 Olympic squad, the personal animosity between them makes it unlikely that Brown would want to work under Hill’s leadership. Hill is expected to remain in his role, which further complicates the prospect of Brown’s return to the national team.

As for Kerr, rumors are swirling that he may step down as head coach of Team USA, with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra emerging as a leading candidate to succeed him. If Spoelstra were to take over, it might pave the way for Tatum’s return to the national team. On the other hand, if Kerr remains at the helm, the rift could widen, potentially leading to a permanent separation.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, several of Team USA’s veteran superstars are likely to be absent. LeBron James has already hinted that he won’t participate, and it’s doubtful that Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry will be there either. This could open the door for Tatum, who will be 30 by then, to take on the mantle as the team’s leading star—a chance to prove himself on the international stage as the face of USA Basketball. However, with that opportunity comes immense pressure and the weight of expectations, especially after the events of Paris.

Many believe that the perceived slight Tatum experienced during the Paris Olympics could serve as fuel for him to elevate his game even further. Former NBA player Isaiah Thomas, for one, predicted that Tatum could very well be next season’s MVP. Shams Charania, a well-known NBA insider, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Tatum will use this experience as motivation to take the next step in his career, potentially winning another championship or even the MVP award.

The Celtics are certainly well-equipped to continue contending for championships, thanks to their deep and talented roster. However, the MVP race remains a tall order for Tatum, not because he lacks talent, but because of the formidable competition he faces. Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo—these are just a few of the NBA’s current giants who stand in Tatum’s way. Last season’s final MVP rankings, which saw Jokić take home the award, are a testament to the challenge ahead for Tatum.

Even within his own team, Tatum has faced stiff competition. In the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, it was Jaylen Brown who walked away with the MVP trophies, leaving Tatum with only the championship hardware to show for his efforts. This underscores a harsh reality: as talented as Tatum is, he’s still not on the level of players like LeBron, Durant, or Curry—at least not yet. If he were, Kerr might have thought twice before benching him in Paris.

Rather than dwelling on this disappointment, Tatum would be better served by focusing on what he can control: his performance on the court. As the saying goes, “If you bloom, the butterflies will come.” By striving to win an MVP award and continuing to lead his team to success, Tatum can make himself indispensable—not just to the Celtics, but to Team USA as well.

This summer has shown that Tatum is capable of incredible achievements, but also that there is still more for him to prove. Whether or not he can take that next step will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the coming NBA season and beyond. For now, though, the fallout from Paris has left Team USA in disarray, and it remains to be seen how—or if—the pieces can be put back together in time for 2028.