Despite having impressive skills like high-flying dunks, exceptional ball handling, and dynamic play, Ja Morant is considered not the ideal fit in the USA national team by the media veteran Doug Gottlieb, who reckons the Memphis Grizzlies guard’s inclusion will disturb the team’s overall performance. Having won 2 out of 2 games so far, against Serbia and South Sudan respectively, the US men’s basketball team is on its way to the Paris Olympics quarter-finals, although they still have a game in hand at the group stage against Puerto Rico.

Coach Steve Kerr tends to rotate the players based on the strengths of the opposition and while Ja Morant hasn’t had his opportunity in the first two group-stage games, he might get a go at some point, as the tournament reaches its business end. Gottlieb, however, is not convinced that Morant, despite all his abilities, will add much value to the USA line-up. “He (Ja Morant) is a terrible choice. USA Basketball needs players who can seamlessly fit into a system that values ball movement and defensive discipline,” the 48-year-old said on The Doug Gottlieb Show.

“Ja’s style, which thrives on personal flair and improvisation, might disrupt that flow. The individualistic style will not fit the team-oriented environment of USA Basketball. His tendency to rely on personal flair and high-risk plays could disturb the team dynamics and overall performance,” Gottlieb further added, highlighting that although Morant’s talent is unbelievable, his individualistic style might not translate effectively to the team-oriented environment of USA Basketball.

Meanwhile, Gottlieb also criticized Jayson Tatum after his performance against South Sudan on Wednesday.

Tatum a colossal pain in the a**: Doug Gottlieb

After a Championship victory, signing the largest contract in the league worth $315 M, and being the cover of an NBA 2k video game, the Boston Celtics star has now found himself at the center of controversy and has sparked an intense debate. Tatum’s defensive prowess, versatility, and scoring ability have made him a key player for the Celtics. But now a controversy surrounds his performance in the USA’s most recent game against South Sudan.

“I don’t care what Steve Kerr says about Jayson Tatum starting, I can’t imagine that was originally the plan. Did I think he’d play? Yes, I think all the complaining made it like ‘fine we’ll start him’; he didn’t play particularly well,” Gottlieb said talking about Tatum’s performance.

Against South Sudan, the American lineup saw a couple of changes, as Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis made it to the team with Jrue Holiday and Joel Embiid sitting out. Tatum played for 17 minutes and scored 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. “What makes you a great NBA player doesn’t necessarily make you a great international player. I’m just gonna tell you right now, like how it reads to me…Jayson Tatum seems like a colossal pain in the a**,” Gottlieb, who was not impressed by Tatum’s attitude, further added.

With modest numbers against South Sudan, it’s not likely that Tatum will feature in USA’s next game against Puerto Rico. Nonetheless, what’s your take on Gottlieb’s comments? Was Jayson Tatum a right pick against Sudan? And should Ja Morant get his opportunity? Share your views in the comments below.

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