In Sunday’s win, Team USA’s men’s basketball team dominated Serbia by a score of 110-84. Their first official game of the 2024 Olympics went nearly as well as Team USA could have hoped for. In his return from injury, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 8-for-9 shooting off the bench. Additionally, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recorded 21 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in the win. Overall, Team USA looked fantastic and ready to earn another gold medal this summer. However, despite the team’s impressive performance, there were a few questionable decisions made. In the game, head coach Steve Kerr did not play Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton or Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. The latter’s absence especially left many in the basketball world confused.
During the game, there was speculation about Tatum potentially dealing with an injury or sickness. However, after the game, Kerr revealed Tatum was held out strictly for basketball reasons.
Kerr admits Tatum was a straight up DNP-CD. “I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He’ll make his mark.” #Celtics #Paris2024
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 28, 2024
Despite Tatum’s DNP, it seems that Kerr wants the 2024 champion on the court. Ahead of Wednesday’s battle with South Sudan, the Golden State Warriors coach said he plans to play Tatum.
“Jayson will play [Wednesday],” Kerr said. “I’m not going to answer your next question, which is if he plays, who doesn’t. But we’re going to need him, and part of this job for me is to keep everybody engaged and ready, because my experience with this is crazy stuff happens.”
2024 Olympics: Jayson Tatum to Play Against South Sudan
Basketball World Reacts to Jayson Tatum’s DNP
Following Team USA’s game against Serbia, many personalities in the basketball world spoke up and defended Tatum. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins was among those who felt that Kerr disrespected Tatum.
“You know what Jayson Tatum is going to bring to the table. You do not disrespect him and embarrass him the way that you did.”
—@KendrickPerkins on Steve Kerr sitting Jayson Tatum vs. Serbia pic.twitter.com/R1OpgRaU8a
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 29, 2024
Furthermore, ESPN’s Tim Legler echoed Perkins’ sentiments, calling Kerr’s decision “extremely disrespectful.”
Tim Legler on Jayson Tatum not playing:
“I totally disagree with what happened, I thought it was extremely disrespectful. Jayson Tatum has a greater resume than guys that were playing”
Thoughts? 🤔
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) July 29, 2024
Additionally, media personality Mike Golic Jr believes that while “somewhat surprising,” he will not “lose sleep” over Tatum’s DNP.
.@mikegolicjr on Jayson Tatum’s DNP:
“It is somewhat surprising to see a guy that was on the best team in the NBA get 0 minutes, but I’m not gonna lose sleep over it because this is sports & at some point everyone’s got to swallow their pride a little bit & take a backseat.” pic.twitter.com/j3NceJvD6R
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) July 29, 2024
The Last Word on Steve Kerr’s Decision
Regardless of whether Tatum plays or not, Team USA is in a great position to win their fifth consecutive gold medal. However, it seems more likely that Tatum will see more time on the court as the Olympics proceed to help Team USA achieve this goal.
