The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors matchup is filled with animosity. The Shamrocks are eying revenge against Steve Kerr, the coach at the Paris Olympics. Several analysts criticized him for not playing Jayson Tatum fresh off a championship in Paris. Celtics legend Bob Cousy felt the revered coach had “some kind of bias” toward the Celtics. His arguments intensified as at the same time JT struggled, and so did Stephen Curry.

So what was the difference between them? Why was Curry allowed to thrive through trial, but Tatum kept curbed by Steve Kerr? Bias wasn’t the reason.

“Steph Curry doesn’t play the same position as Jayson Tatum, okay? Like, now I know people have said, well, just give him two minutes. Like this is one of the arguments that is given. And like, maybe if Steve Kerr had done that, he would have avoided a lot of the scorn that he got,” Brian Windhorst explained.

However, aside from the fact they play different positions, it was vital to consider history. Stephen Curry hadn’t faltered shooting the ball in the NBA. Moreover, Kerr, having stuck with him, knew his rhythm would eventually come. On the other hand, Tatum regularly dealt with shooting struggles. The entire postseason, he shot a subpar 28.5%, the lowest he has ever shot in the playoffs.

There were also other reasons Steve Kerr couldn’t fully integrate JT into the lineups. Because of the toll of a deep playoff run, the Celtics ace took longer to arrive for training camp. By this time, Team USA had run scrimmages with one impressive standout – Miami Heat big Bam Adebayo.

“The first couple of practices and scrimmages, he wasn’t even there. Also, Bam Adebayo was playing brilliantly and actually effectively shooting the three-pointer,” Windy mentioned on Hoops Collective. Specifically, the dynamic of having Anthony Davis and Adebayo together produced enticing results for Team USA.

Defensively, they became the focal points coming off the bench. Moreover, Adebayo has also looked to incorporate the three-point shot to become a regular part of his arsenal. During the twilight of the regular season, he averaged 50% from three throughout 17 games. Hence, Kerr had some samples to work with.

But Tatum wants change. Now, with an entire offseason to work out his flaws, Jayson Tatum has returned with a renewed technique that is working wonders for his game.

Jayson Tatum might not leave much doubts for 2028

Right after the Olympics, Tatum didn’t waste any time getting to work. He worked on his shooting form, looking to make amends for his woes from the past year. On the first day of the season, he splashed 8 of his 11 three-pointers against the Knicks, sending a statement. However, it is far more than that.

Jayson Tatum has honed his game to become a tyrant on both sides of the floor. He’s currently at his most efficient and averaging the most points per game in his career. It’s still early to expect it to remain a consistent standard. However, with his drive each night, JT holds his benchmark no matter the opposition.

That brings forth the question of the next Olympics. The two-time gold medalist did leave some uncertainty when speaking about his participation in the Olympics again. Yet, he might be the team’s linchpin when the contest arrives in Los Angeles. LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two historic giants of the game, had first preference in Paris.

Their playing for another four years is unlikely. At 26, Jayson Tatum, as the central figure of the Olympics, is highly likely. It would be the ultimate redemption moment for the Celtics’ perennial All-Star. In Tokyo, he proved he could bend his game to be effective on the international stage. For Boston, he is the franchise star.

Four years from now, he could become the catalyst behind another gold medal for Team USA. Do you think a full-circle moment awaits Jayson Tatum? Let us know your views in the comments below.