Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is happy for the opportunity to play for Team USA, but he knows they can't take things lightly as they prepare for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
Tatum led the way for the USA Blue Team — composed of main roster players — in their intra-squad scrimmage against the USA White squad made up of the Select Team players. The Celtics youngster scored 17 points to help the Blue shirts beat the White team, 97-78.
After the victory, Tatum admitted that representing the country on the national level is a “dream come true” for him. However, he understands that the team has championship aspirations, and he acknowledges the work that needs to be done in order to accomplish their goals.
“It’s a dream come true to represent your country on a national level.” @jaytatum0 (17 PTS) speaks with @KristenLedlow after leading the Blue squad to victory in Vegas! #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/Aj9lArQzz8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 10, 2019




Tatum and Team USA will head to Los Angeles next week to continue their training. USA Basketball will select only 12 players to represent the country in China for the quadrennial affair.
The 21-year-old Tatum is virtually a lock for the final roster, especially considering his recent performance as well as the lack of overall talent on the team after the exodus of NBA stars.
It remains to be seen which players will make the cut, especially with injuries and fit still a concern. Team USA recently promoted Derrick White and Marvin Bagley III to the senior squad after cutting Thaddeus Young and Bam Adebayo, giving the other players more competition for the roster spots available.