Brian Windhorst says Steve Kerr is "dropping aces" with lineup changes: "If you're criticizing him, you're in a bad spot"

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has drawn criticism for the way he's running Team USA in the 2024 Olympics.

In their first game, Kerr did not give a single minute of playing time to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, causing an uproar from Boston Celtics fans and several NBA analysts. Then in their next contest, Kerr started Tatum over Joel Embiid and gave Haliburton limited minutes.

With the 'Avengers' team unable to blow out South Sudan the last time out, critics said Kerr isn't doing his job well or isn't doing it at all. However, despite the outside noise, ESPN's Brian Windhorst says Kerr is adamant about continuing to do what he's done so far.

"'This is not the NBA, this is not a soap opera, this is not drama. What we have here is a chance to win a gold medal over the course of two-and-a-half weeks,'" Windhorst recalled Kerr's words after the game. "There's only a chance of six possible games and he's going to change his lineup whoever fits the best in those each individual games. He's not going to care if a player gets upset or if a player isn't thrilled because he doesn't have to worry about a player asking for a trade, or getting re-signed, or going to his agent."

Windy says Kerr is on a roll

In their last game, Windhorst said that starting Tatum and benching Embiid made sense because South Sudan had a very athletic lineup that utilized speed and spread the floor well. However, Kerr also said that the Philadelphia 76ers big man will be back in the starting lineup when they play Puerto Rico on Saturday.

Brian added peoples' reaction to his lineup changes or the way the team has played doesn't matter to Kerr right now. Instead, he is focused on picking up victories and winning the gold medal for the Stars and Stripes. So far, the ESPN host thinks that the four-time NBA champion head coach has done a great job.

"And I'm gonna tell you right now, Steve Kerr is dropping aces," added Windhorst. "All of his game plans are working. His lineup changes have worked. Even Derrick White, the player who was criticized for replacing Kawhi Leonard instead of Jaylen Brown; he's played two brilliant games. He's +33. Steve Kerr is on a hot streak right now, if you're criticizing him, you're in a bad spot."

Related: "Besides, he wasn't on the team" - Scottie Pippen was upset with Michael Jordan for including his infamous playoff drama in 'The Last Dance'

Coach K says it's normal to have guys benched

Steve also got the indirect backing of former USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski who went unbeaten in three Olympic runs with Team USA. During a recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Coach K said his success came with two or three players getting benched .

"Guys like Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, Carlos Boozer, and even Anthony Davis, they didn't play that much," Krzyzewski said . "And then there are going to be two or three guys who won't play at all or will not play that much."

Instead of everyone jumping on Kerr, perhaps we should just let him do his job. If the U.S. squad fails to deliver gold, then it'll be time to criticize their head coach.

Related: "Whatever we need to do to win each game" - Steve Kerr on not hesitating to adjust lineups to give Team USA the best chance of winning gold