Team USA recently won their 5th straight gold medal after defeating France 98-87 in the final game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The star-studded American basketball team delivered dominating performances, securing a 6-0 lead in the tournament. However, a former NBA player recently highlighted the differences in performances between Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum at the Olympics
On the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Carmelo Anthony, who was recently criticized by Stephen A. Smith, discussed why Booker excelled with Team USA while Tatum did not. The ten-time NBA All-Star suggested that Booker’s role may need to change, as he significantly impacted Team USA’s success more than Tatum.
“The one person on the team who had to change their role was Devin Booker. [He] accepted the role of being a pick-and-pop guy, a catch-and-shoot guy.” Anthony said.
Booker, who won two gold medals at the Olympics, showcased stellar skills at the international competition. However, Tatum, who won the NBA championship in 2024, was mostly benched and did not score enough points for the team in the 2024 Olympics.
Booker’s Performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics
As he continued to explain, Anthony — who is considered one of the best scorers in NBA history — said that people tend to forget that Booker used to earn his minutes by playing diligently and achieving them.
“You know why? Because Devin Booker comes from that, in college he came from that. He came off the bench, so he’s used to earning his minutes and working his way and hard work, and people forget about that. So, he was more adaptable to that role. … To me, he was the unsung hero on that team.” Anthony added.
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In the first game of the 2024 Olympic Games, Booker played for Team USA and finished with 12 points, five assists, and two rebounds. In the second game against South Sudan, the four-time NBA All-Star scored 10 points, six assists, and one rebound.
During the third game against Puerto Rico, Booker scored 9 points, had two assists, and grabbed four rebounds. In the quarterfinals against Brazil, Booker amazed everyone with a stellar 18 points. However, in the semifinals against Serbia, he only scored 6 points. Finally, in the finals against France, Booker scored 15 points, had three assists, and grabbed six rebounds.
Tatum underperformed for Team USA, but he showcased his actual skills in the 2023–24 NBA season. It will be interesting to see if Anthony’s statement sparks debate among experts and fans.
