"Love our sociopath" - Fans react to NBA insider’s revelation of Jayson Tatum’s comforting visitor during Olympics

Boston Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum underperformed during Team USA's 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal run, facing extensive criticism. According to The Ringer's Bill Simmons, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla flew to Paris to comfort Tatum. Simmons' story garnered Mazzulla high praise on social media, with NBA fans applauding his leadership.

Fresh off his first NBA title, Tatum was expected to play an extensive role for Team USA this summer. However, the five-time All-Star's second gold medal win seemingly didn't go as planned, as he struggled to stay in U.S. coach Steve Kerr's rotation.

Tatum only appeared in four of the Americans' six contests, averaging just 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 17.5 minutes per game. Meanwhile, he shot a team-worst 38.1%, missing all his 3-point attempts.

Amid Tatum's inconsistency, he received two DNPs from Kerr during group play and semifinal matchups against Serbia. The veteran coach attributed his decision to combatting the Serbians' size. Nevertheless, the ensuing media and fan backlash seemingly took a toll on Tatum.

On "The Bill Simmons Podcast" Wednesday, Simmons, an avid Celtics fan, raved about Mazzulla's impact over his first two seasons. The NBA insider highlighted how beloved the first-time champion is by his players.

Simmons noted that Mazzulla traveled to Paris during Tatum's Olympic shortcomings just to check on his superstar's well-being.

"When Tatum was struggling during the Olympics, Mazzulla flew out to France to make sure everything was okay," Simmons said. "That guy's locked in [and] knows his roster. I think the jump he made from Year 1 to Year 2 has been astounding. People love that dude."

Upon hearing Simmons' story, many fans on X/Twitter commended Mazzulla's character.

"Now that's a leader," @isitnasj said.

"This is the coach of the future, man. God, I love this guy," @youngdashval wrote. 😊

"Love our sociopath," @Rodpod171 said.

"That is amazing. Love this story. Thanks for sharing," @erikf08 wrote.

Meanwhile, some proclaimed Mazzulla the league's No. 1 coach.

"That’s why he's the best coach right now, @1junkiebandit1 said.

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After recounting Joe Mazzulla comforting Jayson Tatum, Bills Simmons touched on his NBA coaching ranking

After Bill Simmons gushed over how much Jayson Tatum and his Celtics teammates revere Joe Mazzulla, he touched on his NBA coaching hierarchy placement.

Simmons referenced CBS Sports' latest coaching rankings, which pegged Mazzulla as the league's 11th-best coach. He noted that Mazzulla deserves more respect after leading the Celtics to a combined 80-21 regular season and playoff record last season.

"Some website had a list of the 30 best coaches, and he was like 11th. I was like, 'How is this dude 11th?'" Simmons said. "They just won 80 games in a season."

However, Mazzulla should have a prime opportunity to continue climbing coaching rankings this upcoming season as Boston looks to defend its championship.

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