Only Tatum and one other Team USA player failed to log a single minute in Lille
USA basketball coach Steve Kerr has opened up on his decision to leave Jayson Tatum out of the team’s Olympic Games opener.
Boston Celtics star Tatum, 26, did not enter the court during the USA’s 110-84 win over Serbia on Sunday.
Steve Kerr has opened up on his decision not to play Jayson Tatum against SerbiaCredit: EPA
Tatum did not log a single minute in Team USA’s Olympics win on SundayCredit: Getty
The Boston Celtics superstar could only watch from the bench in Lille, FranceCredit: Getty
Tatum won his first NBA title with the Celtics last season and ranks among the league’s best players.
But he didn’t play a single minute as the USA began their quest in France for a fifth consecutive Olympics gold.
“I felt like an idiot not playing [Tatum],” Kerr admitted to ESPN.
“But, in a 40-minute game, you can’t play more than 10 [players].”
Kerr revealed he had talked to Tatum about the snub prior to the win in Lille.
And the 58-year-old indicated there would be plenty of opportunities for the Celtics star going forward in the competition.
“Jayson handled it really well,” Kerr continued.
“I talked to him today before the game that it might play out this way.
“It seems crazy. I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I want to get to.
“Jayson’s first-team All-NBA three years in a row, he’s one of the best players in the world.”
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Kevin Durant fought back from a calf strain to star for the USA off the bench.
He had missed all five of the team’s pre-Olympic exhibitions due to the injury.
The Phoenix Suns forward scored 23 points and shot 8-of-9 from the field in a dazzling display.
“It was just with Kevin [Durant] coming back and the lineups that I wanted to get to,” Kerr added.
“But that’ll change, Jayson is going to play.
USA basketball Olympic schedule
Men
July 28, 11.15am ET – USA 110-84 Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11.15am ET – USA vs Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA vs Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11.15am ET USA vs Germany, USA Network
“Every game is going to be different, based on matchups. [Tatum] is a total pro.”
Alongside Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton also suited up but failed to play a single minute of the contest.
Team USA flag bearer LeBron James looked in imperious form as he racked up 21 points.
The 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers icon also added nine assists and seven rebounds.
The US returns to action against South Sudan in group play on Wednesday at 3 pm Eastern.
