Tatum's Olympic struggles rest with Steve Kerr trusting his guys

Steve Kerr was criticized for sitting Jayson Tatum in both of Team USA’s games against Serbia during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Boston Celtics star also struggled in a marginalized role for Kerr’s team, as he was often tasked with standing in the corner and spacing the floor.

According to an NBA executive who spoke with Heavy On Sport’s Steve Bulpett under the condition of anonymity, Kerr’s choices were likely down to him sticking with players he has worked with previously or valued within his brand of basketball. The executive pointed to Kevin Durant and Steph Curry as prime examples.

“We pick a coach to coach the team, and it’s all about who he wants to play,” The executive said. “You know, players have to prove to the coach that they deserve to play, period…And, by the way, two of the players that were the primary players — [Steph] Curry and [Kevin] Durant, have won multiple championships for the head coach. So I think that if Joe Mazzulla was the head coach, then maybe Jayson Tatum’s playing the whole game.”

Kerr ultimately led Team USA to a gold medal. As such, his decision-making has been justified to the wider basketball fanbase. Nevertheless, his utilization of Tatum remains a questionable aspect of his time in Paris.

Tatum will get an opportunity to earn some payback against Kerr when the Celtics face the Golden State Warriors on November 6.

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