Jayson Tatum, the standout player on the reigning NBA champion team, has reached a level of basketball stardom where his talents are typically considered untouchable. For a player of his caliber, being benched often sparks surprise, if not outright outrage. Such was the reaction when Team USA head coach Steve Kerr decided to keep Tatum out of the lineup during a group play game against Serbia. While Tatum returned to action against South Sudan, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, he was once again sidelined during the crucial semifinal rematch against Serbia—a game Team USA narrowly won after a comeback.
Kerr’s decision has drawn considerable criticism, with many questioning why the Celtics superstar was left out. However, Kerr clarified that the move was not a reflection of Tatum’s performance but rather a strategic decision based on team dynamics.
“It’s not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing,” Kerr explained. “It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has filled in since his injury. It’s really just a math problem.”
This “math problem” Kerr refers to is a common challenge for Team USA, which boasts an abundance of basketball talent. While most countries competing in the Olympics rely on one or two marquee players, Team USA has the luxury—and the curse—of fielding a roster filled with stars. Every player on the team believes they deserve significant playing time, but with only so many minutes to go around, not everyone can be accommodated. As Kerr pointed out, “It’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game.”
Other star players, such as Tyrese Haliburton and even semifinal hero Joel Embiid, have seen limited minutes or faced benchings during the tournament. Against Serbia, Kerr opted to prioritize other matchups, believing Tatum’s skill set, despite his versatility as a wing, wasn’t as critical for that particular game. Additionally, Tatum’s inconsistent shooting posed a potential risk in a closely contested match.
However, the decision did not sit well with some fans and former players, most notably Celtics legend Bob Cousy. The 96-year-old Hall of Famer, who won six NBA titles with Boston during the 1950s and 1960s, publicly criticized Kerr’s choice, calling it “an embarrassment” for Tatum. Cousy expressed his dismay in an interview with the Boston Globe, stating, “This isn’t just a snub. This is an embarrassment for that poor kid all over the [expletive] world. The Olympics are that big now. Everyone’s going to think there’s something wrong with this kid.”
Cousy went on to suggest that someone from Boston should defend Tatum. He speculated that Steve Kerr might harbor a bias against the Celtics, citing the team’s deficit during the game as further evidence that Tatum should have been utilized. “When Kerr did it last week, he was in no danger of losing the game,” Cousy continued, “but in this case, they got down by 17 points, and he’s got to worry about losing the game. And then, to not let Tatum get off the bench—there’s got to be some kind of bias he’s got against the Celtics.”
Despite Cousy’s claims, Kerr did play two other Celtics players, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, who combined for 27 minutes in the win over Serbia. Ultimately, Kerr’s focus remains on securing a gold medal for Team USA. While the semifinal victory was far from easy, it’s unclear whether Tatum’s involvement would have altered the outcome. Serbia’s early success stemmed largely from the open shots created by Nikola Jokic, and Tatum alone wouldn’t have been able to stop the reigning NBA MVP.
As Team USA gears up for their gold medal game against France, Tatum’s role remains uncertain. Regardless of Steve Kerr choices, controversy is inevitable when 12 stars are vying for just 10 spots on the court.
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