Jayson Tatum described being benched against Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a “humbling experience.”
Steve Kerr, Team USA’s head coach, benched the newly crowned NBA champion for the entire game.
Kerr later admitted he felt “stupid” for not playing the Boston Celtics superstar.
Tatum reflected on his journey, saying, via BasketNews, “You win a championship, new contract, NBA 2K25 cover, Sports Illustrated… So after all of this, it’s definitely a humbling experience.”
Despite the benching, Tatum remained a key player for Team USA in a subsequent game.
In the second game against South Sudan, Tatum played 17 minutes as a starter.
He contributed four points, five rebounds, and two assists in the 103-86 victory.
Kerr’s decision to bench Tatum was the biggest story from the clash with Serbia, overshadowing the actual game.
