Star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is one of the best two-way players in the world, a fact that helped him to power his team to an NBA title last month despite being relatively cold from the field for much of the 2024 NBA Finals. But the mentality that helped get Boston Banner 18 is now helping fuel Team USA’s success abroad as it gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Speaking to WNBA luminary Sue Bird on a recent episode of the “Old Man and the 3” podcast, the St. Louis native opened up about his early days practicing with Team USA.
“My first practice today at USA Basketball, one of the coaches came up to me and said that they were so impressed by my willingness to dominate in all areas, even on nights I wasn’t shooting well,” said Tatum.
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“Hearing that meant a lot. Seeing that growth from early in my career when I would shut down if I had an off shooting night,” he added.
That is very much no longer an issue with the Duke alum’s game, who has found ways to impact winning on both ends whether or not the ball is going through the hoop.
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