Celtics forward Jayson Tatum wasn’t going to sit out the NBA’s resumption due to injury concerns. Players like Tatum got the enhanced insurance they wanted, anyway.
But that doesn’t mean Tatum is eager to go to Disney World.
Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston:
Jayson Tatum says he was “very unsure” going to on Orlando, said he’s “still not excited, not thrilled” with idea — especially being apart from his son and family. “I miss playing basketball, I miss competing.” Said he didn’t make a decision until recent days.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 7, 2020
Jayson Tatum said the league’s insurance policy “didn’t really affect — in a good or bad way — my decision [to go to Orlando].” Said injury risk didn’t really factor into his decision, it was mostly family concerns that left him leery.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 7, 2020
Jayson Tatum: “That's one thing I am excited about: Just seeing everybody again. Guys got new haircuts, guys look different … Knowing we’re going to be able to go out there and compete again. That makes it worth it."
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 7, 2020
Jayson Tatum: “If we’re going to go down there, we might as well try to win a championship."
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 7, 2020
I don’t blame Tatum one bit. Players are facing tight lifestyle restrictions, including be separated from their families and friends for weeks. Coronavirus is an ever-present threat. There’s a very important protest movement sweeping the country.
Who can easily focus on basketball at a time like this?
Of course, Tatum decided the pros outweigh the cons. The money is substantial (for players collectively more so than Tatum individually, though there’s a case for all players to do their part for each other), and the Celtics have a chance to win a championship.
But before coronavirus, Tatum thought he’d get that money and title opportunity. The only new aspects are the downsides.
I appreciate Tatum’s openness about the situation. He’s certainly not alone in feeling this way.
Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions. It’s just the unfortunate reality of the pandemic.