In a move that has shocked the basketball community, two-time Olympic gold medalist Draymond Green has openly criticized the Steve Kerr-led Team USA coaching staff for their controversial decision to bench NBA superstar Jayson Tatum during their Olympics campaign opener against Serbia on July 28. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with Green vocally expressing his disapproval on his show, “The Draymond Green Show.”
Green, who has a storied career with the Golden State Warriors, did not hold back in his critique. He underscored Tatum’s numerous accolades, highlighting his recent NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, his feature on the cover of NBA 2K, and his record-breaking contract.
“You don’t not play Jayson Tatum,” Green asserted emphatically. “That man just won the NBA championship, Cover of NBA 2K, Cover of Sports Illustrated, just signed the biggest contract in NBA history … and your reward is don’t play and sit down in an Olympic game.”
This man cannot help himself. https://t.co/bSQ9pfmgkp pic.twitter.com/7BsugN86VE
— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) August 3, 2024
Draymond didn’t hold back on Team USA coaching staff lol pic.twitter.com/NyeCE1MaP4
— kingtisemedia (@kingtisemedia) August 4, 2024
This strong stance by Green has resonated with many fans and analysts who were equally puzzled by Kerr’s decision. Despite acknowledging Tatum’s subpar performance in exhibition games, Green maintained that a player of Tatum’s caliber should not be sidelined, regardless of his recent form.
“JT didn’t play well in the exhibition games…and it doesn’t matter,” Green continued. “JT come out and not play, I couldn’t believe that. And not playing him, it was wrong. We all know it was wrong. He should’ve played. He didn’t but he should have played.”
The decision to bench Jayson Tatum was quickly rectified in subsequent games. Kerr inserted Tatum into the starting lineup for the next two group stage matches. Tatum’s performance, while not stellar in terms of scoring, showed his versatility and importance to the team. He averaged seven points on 46.2% shooting and led the team in rebounds, averaging 7.5 boards per game, though he struggled from beyond the arc, missing all three attempts he took.
“I FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT NOT PLAYING HIM.”
Steve Kerr on Jayson Tatum getting 0 MIN played vs. Serbia in the 2024 Olympic opener.
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/rHLfQ4U5Jx
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 28, 2024
Green’s dissatisfaction extends beyond Tatum’s benching. He also criticized Kerr’s strategy of constantly altering the team’s rotation based on the opponent, suggesting it undermines Team USA’s dominance.
“Quite frankly, I don’t like it. Like come up with a rotation and stick with it,” Green argued. “These teams aren’t good enough to where we trying to match their lineup. They got to match our lineup. Because we got the best players in the world …So the whole like match their lineup or you know this guy out of the lineup now, I disagree with it.”
Green’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the inconsistency in Team USA’s approach. His belief in the inherent superiority of the U.S. players underscores a desire for a more assertive and stable strategy that leverages the team’s depth and talent without unnecessary adjustments for each opponent.
Despite the initial hiccup, Team USA has shown resilience, finishing the group stage with three consecutive victories. They began their campaign with a dominant 110-84 win against Serbia, followed by a 103-86 victory over South Sudan, and capped the group stage with a 104-83 win against Puerto Rico. Now, they are set to face Brazil in the quarterfinals on August 6.
This controversy highlights the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed on Team USA in international competitions. The decision to bench a player of Tatum’s stature not only sparked immediate backlash but also underscored the complex dynamics of team management and strategy at the highest levels of the sport. Green’s vocal criticism serves as a reminder of the passionate discourse that surrounds basketball, particularly when national pride and legacy are at stake.
As the tournament progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how Team USA adapts its strategies and whether Kerr’s decisions will face further scrutiny or vindication. One thing is clear: the spotlight remains firmly on both the players and the coaching staff as they strive for Olympic glory.
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