One of the most talked about stories of the Paris Olympics is Jayson Tatum‘s two DNPs. He did not play a single minute in the games against Serbia. During the preliminary round, JT sat the entire game out when Team USA played the Joker and Co. A few days later, the story was the same, except this time, it was the semi-finals. From a wider perspective, it seemed that Steve Kerr had planned his rotations for this matchup. Still, there are questions as to why Tatum wasn’t a crucial player to be considered when playing every team.

Fans, as well as critics, poured all sorts of reactions on social media, accusing Kerr of not liking Tatum. Out of all, the Celtics legend, Kevin Garnett had a different opinion on the Celt’s DNP. KG believed that it was rather a relief for him to not have played. “I’m glad they didn’t need Jayson Tatum. I’m glad he got to actually rest and chill. When everybody’s talking about he was getting DNPs, I bet you that it was a conversation with him and Grant Hill or with management about coming on the team and then having time to be able to rest.”

“When you win, you get a shortened season while everybody else gets 4, 5 months off. And you probably get what? 2? 2 and a half?”, KG said on the All The Smoke pod. It certainly was a hectic summer for JT coming off a Championship run. Of course, Holiday and White would have the same time off, but on Tatum’s part, it was a relief. Not to mention that he was eager to perform. Though as the Celtics players head home, there is likely going to be a spark shared by the Jays. JT’s DNP paired with Jaylen Brown‘s snub from Team USA, is enough fuel to fire their motivation for the upcoming season.

Not only that, but one of the games to look out for will be the Celtics and the Warriors. It is safe to say that Jayson Tatum isn’t happy with what his minutes looked like in Paris. He even posted an Instagram story hinting at what is to come when the Celtics meet the Steve Kerr-led Warriors. “WE WILL AVENGE JAYSON TATUM,” rapper Vincent Staples’ tweet read that caught the Celt’s attention.

Other factors that back JT’s case for not wanting to miss a single game would be his recent achievements. He finally won a title, was the only American on this year’s All-NBA first team, was on the cover of SI, and had a great season statistically. While the majority of the NBA world wanted him to play, it was KG who was happy to see him rest, as he clarified his refreshing perspective. Well, to JT, these words might not reflect well. But his NBA Finals rival has an idea of what taking some time off looks like.

Jayson Tatum won’t be getting a lot of rest ahead of his title defense season

As Tatum’s DNPs were a blessing in disguise, so was Slovenia’s loss in the OQT for Luka Doncic. The Maverick played in last year’s FIBA World Championship. This was followed by a 70-game regular season and a 22-game postseason run. In short, Luka played over 100 games in under a year. Had Slovenia managed to qualify for the Olympics, it would have been a deadly exhausting schedule for Doncic, considering his crucial role on the NBA team. The talisman had also been playing through major physical setbacks, a thoracic contusion, and a sprained knee. Reports even claimed that he had no choice but to take pain-killer injections before playoff games.

Whereas Tatum, had teammates who he could trust blindly on the floor, but then again, it was his efforts that would tire him. At this point, Jayson Tatum will look to get all the rest he can before he hits training camp. Unfortunately, it won’t be long till he has to get back in the lab. It will be interesting to see JT and JB on a mission this upcoming season, as the two plan to prove otherwise. What are your thoughts on Jayson Tatum’s DNPs? Do you think he should’ve played against Serbia? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.