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Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Jayson Tatum pose for a photo during Team USA practice in Abu Dhabi. Credit: Getty Images

'Tatum is a No-Brainer' – Boston Celtics Star Expected to Join Team USA in the 2028 Olympics

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 10:49 AM ET

It’s only been a year since Team USA secured the gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, there have already been talks regarding which stars will join Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. One of the stars expected to participate is Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. That is, despite him not having a defined role under head coach Steve Kerr in 2024.

Team USA had six games in the tournament and most stars had their opportunity to shine in that period. Stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards and Bam Adebayo played all six games. Jrue Holiday, Joel Embiid and Derrick White appeared in five contests.

Despite being fit for the national team’s Olympic run, Tatum was sadly only able to play in four games. Tyrese Haliburton, a standout for the Indiana Pacers, only appeared in three games and didn’t get enough playing time.

Even with his limited role last year, CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger predicts that the Boston Celtics star will play in 2028.

“Assuming his recovery from Achilles surgery goes well, Tatum is a no-brainer to make a third straight Olympic appearance. He’ll be 30 in 2028, making him one of the leaders in terms of experience and accomplishments,” Ward-Henninger wrote.

“Tatum notably didn’t receive much playing time from Kerr in Paris, picking up DNPs in two games, but that likely will not be the case in Los Angeles.”

The good news for Tatum and the Celtics fans, Kerr won’t continue as the head coach of the national team. Following the 2024 Olympic Games, it was announced that he wouldn’t continue with the program.

The father of the Boston Celtics star opened up about Tatum not playing

Jan 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) walks off the court after his team lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

In the NBA, Tatum is one of the best players. He’s shown that he has what it takes to be better than everyone else, as he helped the Boston Celtics win the championship before the Summer Olympics. However, the presence of James and Durant on the national team limited his time on the floor.

Following the tournament, Tatum’s father, Justin, talked to Marc Spears and revealed what the star forward felt about not playing.

“He wasn’t good with not playing,” Justin said. “But he wasn’t in the room pouting or throwing chairs around or it was a topic of conversation at dinner… But he was happy to be out there winning the gold and he never really played with LeBron [James], Steph [Curry] or KD [Kevin Durant]. Being around those guys was a great experience and the main thing we were talking about.”

Still, having Tatum as a backup during the 2024 Olympics was something that other nations didn’t have the luxury to have.

“Will Continue to Invite Trade Discussion” - Boston Celtics Expected to Trade $100 Million Guard 9 Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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