Team USA’s men’s basketball team had an impressive start to their Paris Olympics journey, defeating Serbia 110-84 in their opening match.
However, one notable aspect of the game was Jayson Tatum’s lack of playing time, as he didn’t step onto the court throughout the entire 40 minutes, raising eyebrows among fans.
After the game, head coach Steve Kerr was straightforward about his oversight regarding Tatum’s absence from the lineup.
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Jayson Tatum of the USA Men’s National Team looks on during practice at Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan on July 27, 2024, in Paris. (Jesse D. GarrabrantNBAE via Getty Images)
“I felt like an idiot not playing him,” Kerr stated, according to ESPN.
Kerr utilized a total of 10 players during the game, including Tatum’s Boston Celtics teammates, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, who joined Team USA earlier this year.
“In a 40-minute game, we can’t have more than 10 [players] on the court,” Kerr explained. “I think [Tatum’s] an incredible player and handled the situation like a pro. He’ll certainly be back out there in the next game.”
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Kerr mentioned that he had a conversation with Tatum before the game to prepare him for the possibility of limited, if any, playing time.
“It’s tough, but Jayson handled it really well,” Kerr added. “I informed him before the game that it might play out this way, especially with Kevin [Durant] returning and the specific lineups I wanted to implement. But that will vary as each game presents different matchups.”
Jayson Tatum, left, and Stephen Curry of Team USA celebrate during the group stage match against Serbia at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024, in Lille, France. (Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Durant was the first player to come off the bench, leading the team with 23 points after shooting a perfect 8-for-8 in the first half for 21 points.
Kerr also included centers Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis, along with guard Anthony Edwards, in the victory over the Serbian team led by Nikola Jokic.
Tatum’s talent is well recognized, as he’s been named a first-team All-NBA player for the past three seasons, including during the Celtics’ championship-winning season just a month prior.
The 26-year-old forward is expected to have his moment in his first Olympics, as Kerr confirmed. Team USA is set to face South Sudan on July 31 at 3 p.m. in Lille, France.
Steve Kerr, head coach of Team USA, looks on during the game against Serbia at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024, in Lille, France. (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
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Previously, South Sudan gave Team USA trouble during an exhibition match in London on July 20, where LeBron James clinched a victory with a last-minute layup in the fourth quarter.
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