Like a lot of people, Stephan A. Smith of ESPN couldn’t wrap his head around Team USA head coach Steve Kerr’s decision to leave Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum rotting on the bench during the Americans’ 110-84 win over Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Smith let his emotions flow, as he called out Kerr for turning Tatum into some sort of bench ornament.
The reigning, defending NBA champion Jayson Tatum. And you can’t find minutes?” Smith wondered. “In a 26-point lopsided victory, you can’t find one minute.”
“Steve Kerr, that’s some straight bulls**t. You got to be kidding me. And to have him go through an entire NBA season and then go through the playoffs and capture a championship and still take time in his offseason to join Team USA and to have a champion riding the bench, like he’s some d**n waterboy. You have got to be kidding me.”
The good news for Smith and Tatum is that there are still games to be played by Team USA. Tatum is even expected to see action this Wednesday against South Sudan
“Jayson will play (Wednesday),” Kerr said ahead of the South Sudan game, per Shaun Powell of NBA.com.
With or without Tatum on the floor, Team USA are always viewed as a massive favorite to beat any team in the field in Paris. With the likes of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Anthony Davis, there is no shortage of firepower and talent on this squad.
For More Team USA, NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us at @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of the NBA – especially with all the NBA trade rumors swirling around and NBA free agency news – college basketball, and also the WNBA, click here!
