Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Benched Again as Team USA Prepares for Gold Medal Match
- Steve Kerr addressed why Jayson Tatum isn't participating in the Olympics, citing a numbers issue.
- The absence of Tatum may impact team dynamics and performance.
- Kerr's comments shed light on the complexities of player selection for the national team.
PARIS – In a surprising move, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum found himself on the bench during Team USA's semifinal clash against Serbia in the Paris Olympics. Coach Steve Kerr's decision to keep Tatum sidelined has drawn criticism, especially as the team struggled to mount a comeback, ultimately relying on stars like Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid to secure a spot in the gold medal game against France. Kerr defended his choice, stating, "It's not what I'm not seeing from Jayson; it's what I've seen from the other guys," suggesting that the decision was based on performance rather than Tatum's abilities. This explanation has left many puzzled, particularly given Tatum's status as an All-NBA first teamer. The team faced a significant deficit against Serbia, and Kerr's reliance on players like Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker, who struggled defensively, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Previously, Kerr expressed regret for not utilizing Tatum during the group stage match against Serbia, calling himself an "idiot" for the oversight. Despite his limited playing time, Tatum has remained focused on the team's success, emphasizing that winning is the priority. His coach, Brad Stevens, acknowledged the difficulty of not playing for a top-tier athlete but noted Tatum's commitment to the team's goals. As Team USA gears up for the gold medal game, there is hope that Tatum's contributions will be recognized, potentially altering the dynamics of the lineup in their quest for Olympic glory.