Kerr Prepares Team USA for South Sudan Matchup Amid Rotation Challenges

In a press conference on Monday, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr addressed the complexities of player rotations ahead of their upcoming game against South Sudan. While confirming that star player Jayson Tatum will be on the court, Kerr acknowledged the difficult decisions he faces regarding which world-class players may see reduced minutes. He expressed the challenge of managing a roster filled with elite talent, stating, “The hardest part of this job is you’re sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class.” Kerr reflected on his previous decisions, admitting he felt “crazy” and “like an idiot” for not utilizing Tatum more effectively in earlier games. Tatum has participated in all five exhibition matches, sharing time with Devin Booker while Kevin Durant was sidelined due to injury. Meanwhile, guard Derrick White has been pivotal in defensive roles, contributing key plays despite limited scoring. However, his minutes may be impacted as Kerr considers adjustments to counter South Sudan's guard-heavy lineup. The coach emphasized the need for strategic preparation against South Sudan, particularly highlighting the threat posed by Carlik Jones, who previously excelled against the U.S. team. Kerr noted the importance of adapting their game plan to address the speed and shooting capabilities of their opponents. He reiterated that the experience with Team USA is about maximizing performance in a limited timeframe, stating, “The whole thing with this experience is it’s six games.”