Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Responds To Illness Rumors At USA-Serbia Game

Jayson Tatum did not play in Sunday's game.

Jun 5, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the NBA Finals Media Day at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum is one of the 10 best players in the NBA and is coming off a season where he made his fifth straight All-Star Game.

The former Duke star is currently playing for Team USA, but he did not make an appearance during Sunday's 110-84 victory over Serbia.

Many speculated that Tatum was sick or hurt.

Via Keith Smith of Spotrac: "I wonder if Jayson Tatum is sick. A bunch of USA players weren't feeling good over the last few days. Tatum doesn't seem to have his normal gear on to play, and he's in a different pair of sweatpants than everyone else too.

Maybe we'll find something out postgame."

I wonder if Jayson Tatum is sick. A bunch of USA players weren't feeling good over the last few days. Tatum doesn't seem to have his normal gear on to play, and he's in a different pair of sweatpants than everyone else too.

Maybe we'll find something out postgame.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 28, 2024

During the day, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe spoke to Tatum.

Via Washburn: "Just asked Jayson Tatum if he was sick, he told me, “No, I’m good.” #Celtics #Paris2024"

Just asked Jayson Tatum if he was sick, he told me, “No, I’m good.” #Celtics #Paris2024

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 28, 2024

Washburn also reported that head coach Steve Kerr said that it was a coach's decision not to play Tatum.

Kerr admits Tatum was a straight up DNP-CD. “I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He’ll make his mark.” #Celtics #Paris2024

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 28, 2024

Tatum finished the 2023-24 season with averages of 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 47.1% from the field and 37.6% from the three-point range in 74 games.

He also led the Celtics to their first NBA Championship since the 2008 season (16 years ago).

Jayson Tatum did not play today. pic.twitter.com/XLXdkbRLv5

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 28, 2024

The team was led by Kevin Durant, who finished with 23 points on 8/9 shooting from the field in only 17 minutes.

Team USA will play their next game on Wednesday when they face off against South Sudan.