The Team USA squad that will represent the nation in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China is not exactly of the Dream Team caliber. However, despite the fact that there have been more than a few noteworthy names to withdraw from the squad over the past couple of months, this group still remains a very formidable side.

This is exactly what Boston Celtics stud Jayson Tatum believes, and in the mind of the 21-year-old, he thinks these turn of events will actually serve as added motivation for the squad moving forward:

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Some critics are saying Team USA is no longer the favorite to receive the gold medal at the end of the tournament, and that this has become a wide-open race. For his part, Tatum is obviously having none of this, as he is actually using all the doubt and criticism as the motivation he needs to help his team achieve this prize at the international level.

It is without a doubt that this is the exact same attitude Tatum will be carrying with him as he enters the new season with a revamped Celtics side. A lot is riding on Tatum this coming campaign, as he is now expected to take a bigger role on the squad. This is a challenge the former third overall pick seems to be relishing, and it would not be a surprise if Jayson Tatum comes out with yet another breakthrough season this term.