Jayson Tatum to Join USA Basketball Training Camp by Monday

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was absent from the start of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball training camp on Saturday due to personal reasons. However, he is expected to join the team by Monday, as stated by coach Steve Kerr. The team's first exhibition game is scheduled for Wednesday against Canada, followed by departures for further games in Abu Dhabi, London, and Paris before the Olympics commence.

Jayson Tatum, a key player for the NBA champion Boston Celtics, was not present at the commencement of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball training camp on Saturday. However, coach Steve Kerr has confirmed that Tatum is expected to join the team by Monday, ahead of their third camp practice in Las Vegas.

Tatum is one of two Celtics players on the U.S. team, along with Jrue Holiday. He is aiming to secure his second Olympic gold medal, having previously contributed to the team's victory at the Tokyo Games held three years ago. In the previous Olympics, Tatum averaged 15.2 points, ranking second behind Kevin Durant's 20.7 points per game.

The Olympics will mark the culmination of a hectic few months for Tatum. The five-time All-Star played a pivotal role in the Celtics' first NBA title victory since 2008 last month. His offseason commenced with a league-record $314 million, five-year contract extension, potentially keeping him in Boston through the 2029-30 season.

The contract was finalized on Saturday, the first day that such a deal could be executed under NBA rules. Celtics President Brad Stevens expressed his admiration for Tatum in a statement released by the team: "Jayson is a special person and player, and it's been a thrill for all of us to watch his entire journey in Boston. He has embraced all that comes with being a great Celtic, and shows consistent and genuine care for every one of his teammates, coaches, and staff across the organization."

Tatum's impressive statistics over the past season include averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Throughout his seven NBA seasons, he has maintained an average of 23.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

Prior to the U.S. camp, Tatum spent the week in Las Vegas hosting his own elite camp for select high school and college players. Fellow U.S. Olympian Bam Adebayo and NBA players Paolo Banchero and Chris Paul also participated in the camp.

The U.S. team will play their first exhibition game against Canada on Wednesday before departing for two games in Abu Dhabi. They will then travel to London for two more games and finally to Paris for the Olympics.