As a guest on “NBA Today,” Celtics player Jayson Tatum offered some daring criticism of the United States national basketball team. Tatum had confidence in his champion Celtics team’s ability to defeat USA Basketball in a single-elimination game while speaking with Malika Andrews

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Andrews Malika: “One game, winner take all, who you got: this year’s Team USA or your championship Celtics?”

Having won a championship, you have a bit more leeway to express yourself, says Tatum. Joining me on this ride are some of the guys I played basketball with over the past ten months… Whoever it is, I’m leading us.

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The United States built one of its strongest lineups to yet for the Paris Olympics after focusing all of their recruiting efforts on improving their standing from last year’s FIBA World Cup fourth-place finish. Members of Team USA now include NBA greats like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis. Steve Kerr, the championship coach, is in charge of them.

Given the strength of their roster, the United States is a clear favorite to take home the gold medal this year, even when pitted against perennial powerhouses France and Canada. No team seems like they have a chance to win the league this year.

In a true game, not even the Celtics would have a chance, and Tatum is well aware of that. Even so, he wasted no time praising his squad and selecting them when given the chance.

With a starting five that includes Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, the 2024 champs boast one of the league’s greatest squads. With 64 victories at the end of the regular season and just three playoff losses, they had a fantastic season.

The 26-year-old Tatum has been the franchise’s public face since his 2017 arrival. Tatum has lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him since his draft as the third overall pick out of Duke. He is a five-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection, and the current reigning champion of the NBA. In 74 games played last season with the Celtics, he shot 47.1% and averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.

As he assists Team USA in their pursuit of the gold this summer, Tatum will add another medal to his collection, but he will not lose sight of the ultimate goal. Tatum hopes to help the Celtics win the championship again next year, especially because most of his teammates will be back. He also thinks they have what it takes to win.