Team USA is just one game away from clinching another gold medal for the country in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With an amazing roster that includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, the American men’s basketball team has secured a 5-0 winning streak. However, coach Steve Kerr benched a star player during two games. Jayson Tatum, a 2024 NBA champion, was benched in the two games against Serbia, which led to heavy criticism directed at Kerr. In addition to fans and analysts, Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, also aimed Kerr for benching the NBA champion again in Team USA’s 95-91 win over Serbia.
NBA analyst for ESPN, Dick Vitale, recently criticized Steve Kerr in a post on X by asking if Tatum was injured because he didn’t get enough playing time in the games.
“Someone pls let me know is @jaytatum0 injured as he hasn’t received the PT ( playing time ) u would expect an All NBAplayer to get.” ESPN analyst wrote in his latest post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Someone pls let me know is @jaytatum0 injured as he hasn’t received the PT ( playing time ) u would expect an All NBAplayer to get .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 8, 2024
Tatum’s mother retweeted Vitale’s post, stating that Tatum is not injured but is unsure why he has been benched in multiple games.
“No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.” Tatum’s mother wrote in her latest post on X.
No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE. https://t.co/vtz1W398XJ
— BCole_Esq (@Brandy_N_Cole) August 9, 2024
Kerr Reveals the Surprising Reason Behind Benching Tatum Against Serbia
Kerr faced heavy criticism from fans and analysts after benching Tatum. However, after the stellar victory against Serbia, the 58-year-old coach explained the reason for his decision during a recent interview.
It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson. It’s what I’ve seen from the other guys. Like I’ve said many times during this tournament, and these last six weeks, it’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game. It’s not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing. It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has filled in since he came back from his injury. And It’s just a math problem more than anything.” Kerr said, according to recent reports from NBA Insider Tim Reynolds.
The final game of the 2024 Paris Olympics will feature Team USA against France, competing for the gold medal on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. It will be interesting to see whether Tatum will be part of the final lineup.
