The thriller against Serbia in the semi-finals saw not one minute of the 2024 NBA champion on the floor. The commotion is loud. Jayson Tatum, at the peak of his career, has been a starter twice – the equal amount he has not had any minutes to his name. Someone in a similar position if not the same, was the 2004 Olympian, Dwyane Wade. Disappointment and elation, both felt in his consecutive appearance, the Miami Heat star had some advice for the 26-year-old.

Recalling his experience of coming off the bench in the 2008 Olympics, he admitted it wasn’t a great experience. But the point he wanted to convey: something more important was to focus on what the team needs and being a teammate to deliver. 

Dwade, who was around the same age as Tatum during the games, stated, “I did come off the bench in 2008. My role was a little different, I think the thing is, outside of being benched, just as a player that’s going to play in the Olympics, you have to look at the team and say, ‘What am I going to bring that the team does not already have.” 

The 3x champion, unlike Tatum, played all 8 games during the Olympics. But he did not start any of them. Regardless, he finished the tournament as the team’s leading scorer averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He thus emphasizes focusing on one’s own abilities, for the team is already star-studded.

“It’s not about you being a great player or not, obviously each player on this team is a great player in their own right, but it’s about making sure that you bring something to the team that the other guys can depend on, that can rely on,” Wade iterated on the Dan Patrick Show. 

Tatum was one of the top scorers in the Tokyo Olympics with an average of 15.2 and as a starter this year against Puerto Rico, he recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. “A humbling experience,” he had said on being benched his first game. But as a known defender, the Celtics star would have preferred a few minutes as the team struggled against Serbia.

Team USA rallied to overcome Serbia

Steve Kerr has chosen the same combination for the games against Serbia. Though it was fairly easy in the first clash, hopes were lost for Team USA during a point in game as they trailed by 17 points.

However, the team pulled off a thrilling comeback with Stephen Curry’s 3-pointer by LeBron James’ assist, 2 minutes left on the clock. It would be the first lead the Team USA secured since the first quarter 15-13. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s consecutive three-pointers provided the push that Curry topped off for the 95-91 victory. Though some would argue the defense could have been bettered, Steve Kerr cannot deny it was one of the greatest games. 

“I am really humbled to have been a part of this game,” he said via USA Today. “It’s one of the greatest basketball games I’ve ever been a part of…They forced us to reach the highest level of competition that we could find… I’m so proud of the team.”

With this victory, Team USA secured a spot in the finals where they will face France. Kerr plans to change the combination based on the opponent. Whether Tatum will be a part of it, is yet to be determined. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.