Team USA is on the verge of winning the gold medal in the 2024 Olympics after rallying to defeat Serbia in their semifinal matchup. With the Americans having to play catch-up for most of the contest, Steve Kerr had to tighten up his rotation more than usual.
Unfortunately, Jayson Tatum once again didn't see the floor despite being 100% healthy, resulting in many fans railing against the Golden State Warriors coach. The Boston Celtics superstar's mother also made her ill feelings toward Kerr known on social media.
Kerr could have used Tatum
The former NBA Coach of the Year has been a magnet for criticism during the Paris Games for his questionable lineup choices. While it's understandable for him to bench Tyrese Haliburton, the same cannot be said about his decision not to use Tatum, an All-NBA First-Team selectee in the past three years and a member of the reigning NBA champions.
Some might defend Kerr by saying he had to divide the power forward/small forward minutes among LeBron James, who played 32 minutes, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis.
Still, having JT on the floor could have been beneficial for the Red, White, and Blue, especially when the Serbs started to run away with the game late in the first quarter.
With Durant and Anthony Edwards failing to provide their typical offensive spark off the bench early, Tatum probably could have helped in that department. Moreover, Serbia's outside shots kept falling in the first three quarters, and the 6-foot-8 forward's length and athleticism would have been the ideal antidote that Team USA needed.
Related: Gilbert Arenas says everyone was rooting against Team USA because of LeBron James: "This is why you are not the GOAT even if their GOAT wasn't sh** at this age"
Kerr's future with the national squad
Things worked out well for the U.S., as it escaped with a 95-91 victory. The Curry-James duo , which has been a long time coming for American fans, helped save Kerr's legacy. Joel Embiid's 19 points and timely shots from the Phoenix Suns tandem of KD and Booker were also critical to the close win.
Of course, they still have to take care of business against France in a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics gold-medal battle.
But whether the Americans defeat the hometown squad or not, many people want that game to be Kerr's last on the sidelines for the national team. Tatum's mother appears to be among those who share that sentiment.
Perhaps people don't have to worry about it that much because the 58-year-old coach likely won't be back for another cycle with Team USA. A huge concern moving forward for USA Basketball is whether Tatum would still want to represent the country in international competition after a disappointing stint in Paris.
Related: "If they lose this game, their legacies take a hit" - Nick Wright reacts to Steph, KD, and LeBron leading Team USA to comeback vs. Serbia
Local Boston, MA
Most Popular
Comments / 0