Inside The Nuggets

Canada Basketball Star Makes Viral Jayson Tatum Statement at Paris Olympics

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray made an eye opening statement on the Team USA star

Joey Linn

Jul 10, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; USA forward Jayson Tatum (10) shoots against Canada guard Jamal Murray (4) in the second quarter in the USA Basketball Showcase at T-Mobile Arena.
Jul 10, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; USA forward Jayson Tatum (10) shoots against Canada guard Jamal Murray (4) in the second quarter in the USA Basketball Showcase at T-Mobile Arena. / Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been All-NBA First Team in three-straight seasons, capping that off with a championship this past June. One of the best players in basketball, Tatum is currently on a Team USA roster at the Paris Olympics that includes several other players of his caliber.

This dynamic has led to fluctuating roles, including Steve Kerr making the controversial decision to not play Tatum at all in USA Basketball's Olympic opener against Serbia. Tatum has started both games since his DNP, but other Team USA stars seen their minutes fluctuate.

Team USA is not the only group at the Paris Olympics with established NBA stars sacrificing minutes or touches. Speaking recently on this dynamic, Denver Nuggets and Canadian basketball star Jamal Murray pointed to Tatum's Olympic opener DNP when speaking about his own reduced role.

"Everybody has their role," Murray said. "You saw Jayson Tatum didn't play a single minute. Tyrese Haliburton didn't play. A lot of guys on other teams are starting on their respective NBA teams, so it's not an ego thing over here. We're just trying to get the win."

Fans loved Murray's statement, as his humble response went viral on social media. Pointing to both Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, Murray highlighted other NBA stars at the Olympics who have sacrificed for their team.

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Joey Linn

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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