Adapting to FIBA basketball can be a daunting task for NBA players, especially those who are accustomed to being the primary scoring option on their teams. Team USA’s performance in the Paris Olympics highlighted this challenge, as most of the players on the roster were used to being high scorers in the NBA. Out of the 12 players on Team USA, 10 had averaged at least 20 points per game during the previous NBA season, with only Jrue Holiday and Derrick White not hitting that mark. This abundance of scoring talent meant that players needed to make sacrifices and adjust their roles to ensure the team’s success.
Jayson Tatum, one of the NBA’s brightest stars, struggled to make the necessary adjustments in Paris, according to Team USA legend Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who is the third-highest scorer in Team USA’s history, pointed out that while Devin Booker managed to adapt his game for the Olympics, Tatum did not. Anthony’s criticism of Tatum was not just about his on-court performance but also about the coaching staff’s failure to clearly define Tatum’s role on the team.
Tatum’s situation was further complicated by the fact that he was benched for two games during the six-game tournament. Anthony expressed empathy for Tatum, acknowledging that it would be frustrating to travel to such a prestigious event only to spend most of the time on the bench. Despite the setbacks, Tatum remained composed and did not publicly criticize the coaching staff. Instead, he focused on using his Olympic experience as motivation for the upcoming NBA season, signaling his determination to improve and prove himself.
Carmelo Anthony’s perspective on Tatum’s Olympic experience carries weight because of his own history with Team USA. Anthony, a four-time Olympic medalist, had to make significant adjustments to his game to fit alongside other superstars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant during his Olympic appearances. His ability to adapt and thrive in different roles made him a key contributor to Team USA’s success over the years.
On a different note, speculation has been swirling around the potential sale of the Boston Celtics. Following the team’s 18th championship win, rumors emerged that Wyc Grousbeck, the team’s majority owner, might be looking to sell his stake. This news sparked discussions about who could step up to buy a share of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
Among the potential buyers, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has been a name that has garnered significant attention. Bezos reportedly sold $5 billion worth of Amazon shares shortly after rumors of the Celtics’ availability began circulating. This timing fueled speculation that he might be positioning himself to purchase the team.
The buzz around Bezos as a potential buyer for the Celtics intensified when Bill Simmons, a well-known sports commentator, discussed the possibility on his podcast. Simmons suggested that there is “legitimate buzz” about Bezos buying the Celtics and that Bezos could be one of the leading contenders to acquire the team. He also mentioned the potential appeal for Bezos in building a state-of-the-art arena to host games and other events, further enhancing the Celtics’ brand.
While the Celtics have recently signed a lease extension with TD Garden through 2036, there have been rumors about the team potentially moving to a new arena. The possibility of Bezos building a new arena could align with such a move, making him an even more attractive candidate for ownership.
However, one concern about Bezos’s interest in the Celtics is the NBA’s upcoming expansion plans. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the league may add two new franchises by 2026, with Las Vegas and Seattle being the likely locations. Given that Amazon is based in Seattle, some speculate that Bezos might prefer to invest in a new Seattle franchise rather than buying an existing team like the Celtics.
Regardless of the specifics, Bezos’s vast wealth makes him a strong candidate for NBA ownership, whether it’s the Celtics or another team. His financial resources would enable him to absorb the luxury tax penalties that often come with building a championship-contending team, making him an appealing option for any franchise.
Owning the Boston Celtics, however, is about more than just financial investment. The team is the winningest franchise in NBA history, and with that legacy comes the responsibility to maintain a culture of success. Bezos, or any other prospective owner, would need to prioritize winning above all else if they were to take the reins of such a storied organization.
