Ex-NBA star and renowned analyst questions Coach Kerr’s strategy in Team USA’s first game
Huge buzz has been generated after USAB coach Steve Kerr decided to leave the current NBA Champion on the bech for the Olympics opener against Serbia. The online sports community was ablaze with opinions, criticisms, and outright fury, questioning Kerr’s decision.
Adding fuel to the fire was former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, who didn’t hold back on ESPN’s First Take. Perkins, known for his candid commentary, expressed his strong disapproval of the decision to keep Tatum on the bench.
“Jayson Tatum is like a Swiss Army knife on the court,” Perkins stated. “At 6’9″, he has skills on both ends of the floor. The last time we secured gold, Kevin Durant was the star, but Tatum was a crucial player right behind him,” Perkins emphasized, suggesting a potentially missed opportunity with Kerr’s controversial move.
The backlash wasn’t confined to TV pundits and Twitter warriors. Fans and analysts alike were left scratching their heads, puzzled by why one of the league’s most dynamic forwards was left sitting in his warm-ups. Kendrick Perkins wasn’t done expressing his dismay.
“You don’t disrespect a player like Tatum. It’s embarrassing for him and confusing for everyone watching,” he added, echoing the sentiments of many.
Steve Kerr’s comments on his decision to bench Tatum
The Olympic format’s brevity, combined with the return of Kevin Durant, necessitated some tough choices. Kerr assured everyone that Tatum’s benching was a one-time strategy, tailored for that specific matchup. “I talked to Jayson before the game. With Durant back, our lineups had to shift, but Tatum’s playing time will adjust as we move forward,” Kerr explained.
Kerr’s explanation did little to quell the storm. Fans remain on edge, eagerly anticipating the next game against South Sudan, where Tatum is expected to play. Any thoughts of an injury were put to rest, as Tatum’s health and readiness were confirmed.
As the buzz continues, all eyes are on Tatum and Kerr, waiting to see how this storyline unfolds. Will Kerr’s gamble pay off, or will the decision to bench Tatum haunt Team USA in their quest for gold? Only time will tell.
