Team USA Shines, But Kerr’s Tatum Benching Sparks Controversy

Team USA starting off their Olympics group stage with a dominant showing against Serbia was a major cause for celebration. Whether it was LeBron James‘s individual brilliance or Kevin Durant’s incandescent return, positives were all around. However, it wasn’t a happy night for everyone on the squad. Despite a 110-94 thrashing of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, there were questions about Steve Kerr and his coaching tactics.

In particular, one specific decision by the 4-time NBA Champion regarding Jayson Tatum had the spotlight. So, let’s take a deep dive into what had the nation, and Boston Celtics fans in particular, in a stranglehold.

The what?

Jayson Tatum has long been in contention as one of the best players in the game today. Over the last 3 seasons, the Celtics have gone to 2 NBA Finals, with 6 Conference Finals in his 7 seasons in the league. On an individual level as well, Tatum has been dominant, making first-team All-NBA in 3-straight seasons. To put it simply, Tatum is well on his way to NBA immortality.

Yet, somehow, he found himself on the bench to start off the game against Serbia. While that might track as a by-product of the embarrassment of riches that the US team has, the issue became glaring as the game went on. The entire game came and went, but JT did not find a minute on the court. Whether it was Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, or Joel Embiid, minutes were going to others before Jay.

As a result, Coach Steve Kerr came under the microscope for his decision. For many, the reliance on yesteryear stars was a question mark. For others, the decision was downright cruel, given the trajectory Jayson has been on. However, for Kerr, there is a method to the madness. There is a why to the what.

Steve Kerr answers the Why

Over the last few months, Jayson’s play has been fluctuating. During the playoffs, he was often seen as the second or third best player on the team. As a result, Jaylen Brown won both Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP. While that doesn’t necessarily take away from his consistent greatness, it does put a damper on his current usage.

During the exhibition/practice games, Tatum was a regular member of the rotation. However, his impact was substantially less than the other forwards on the team. Averaging just a shade over 6 ppg, his 3-point shot was nowhere to be found, a trend that began in the postseason. As a result, when push came to shove, Steve Kerr had to make a tough call. One, that he was familiar would sound crazy in retrospect.

“I thought I was crazy. I felt like an idiot.” But, for Kerr, it was also an important message. For a team overflowing with world-class talent, sacrifice is something that his players had to learn. Seeing an all-world talent like Tatum on the bench should reinforce the idea of we instead of me. ““The hardest part of this job is you’re sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class, some of the very best players on Earth, and on the one hand it makes no sense at all,” Kerr said. “On the other, I’m asking these guys to just commit to winning one game and then move on to the next one. I have to do the same thing. And so I felt like last night those were the combinations that made the most sense.”

The how (to fix the Jayson Tatum issue)

As Kerr points out, the decision to keep Tatum riding the bench was one born out of matchups. With a 26-point victory over one of the stronger teams in the competition, it is hard to argue with the methods. But, what his statement also indirectly implies is that Jayson is going to get his number called soon. When that moment arrives, it is going to be a different star taking on a much lesser role.

So far, the Joel Embiid minute hasn’t been a net positive for the team. Maybe that is where Steve decides to go, favoring a more small-ball lineup that he made famous in Golden State. With 2 group league games and potentially 3 elimination games deciding their chance at Gold, the margin for error is slim. Steve Kerr recognizes it and constantly emphasizes the need to be ready for the challenge.

“The whole thing with this experience is it’s six games. Each game’s different. We’re going to need everybody. And so matchups will determine at times who we play, but we need everybody ready to roll and whatever it takes to win that game, that’s what we need to do.”

So, make all your Jayson Tatum memes while you can. Because his return to the lineup is coming, and it is coming soon. The only question is: Will he be up for the challenge and how big a role will he play in Team USA’s quest for Gold?

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