Team USA has punched its ticket to the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament after a nail-biting 95-91 victory over Serbia.
Stephen Curry dazzled with 36 points, LeBron James recorded a triple-double, and Joel Embiid delivered crucial plays in the final moments to outduel Nikola Jokic.
While the game was a showcase of some of basketball’s greatest talents, it also highlighted an ongoing debate about the team’s rotation, particularly the surprising lack of playing time for Jayson Tatum.
Despite his status as a perennial All-Star and one of the NBA’s most accomplished players, Tatum never took off his warmups during the semifinal, a decision that has sparked controversy among fans and even Tatum’s own mother.
Head coach Steve Kerr leaned heavily on his starting lineup, with Kevin Durant coming off the bench as the primary sixth man. Tyrese Haliburton, another All-Star and a key contributor during the 2024 NBA season, also remained sidelined.
While Haliburton’s absence from the court has raised few eyebrows, Tatum’s benching has become a hot topic, especially considering his recent accomplishments, including leading his team to an NBA championship.
In the aftermath of the victory, Kerr was once again confronted with questions about his rotation choices. Fans and analysts alike are puzzled by Tatum’s limited role, given his track record and undeniable talent. Kerr, however, insists that the decision is not a reflection of Tatum’s abilities but rather a strategic challenge brought on by the depth of talent on Team USA’s roster.
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Speaking to reporters, including those from the Boston Globe, Kerr explained his rationale: “It’s not about what Jayson isn’t doing. It’s about what I’m seeing from the other guys. As I’ve said multiple times throughout this tournament and over the last six weeks, it’s really difficult to play 11 guys, even in an NBA game.”
Kerr elaborated on the complexities of managing such a star-studded team: “Our second unit didn’t perform as well last night, but overall, that group has been one of our bright spots, especially on the defensive end. The issue isn’t Jayson’s performance; it’s about finding the right combinations and how Kevin [Durant] has seamlessly filled in since coming back from his injury. At the end of the day, it’s a math problem more than anything else.”
The notion of Tatum, one of the NBA’s brightest stars, being sidelined due to a “math problem” is a tough pill to swallow for many. After all, Tatum has done it all—he’s a perennial All-Star, a First Team All-NBA player, and an NBA champion. He’s on the cusp of winning his second Olympic medal, yet this offseason, the conversation surrounding him has been dominated by his unexpected role as the odd man out on Team USA.
Every Olympics, a few exceptional American basketball players find themselves on the outside looking in, given the overwhelming talent pool. This year, it’s Tatum and Haliburton who have drawn the short straw. But Tatum’s case is particularly striking because it comes on the heels of what many consider a legacy-defining championship season.
As Team USA gears up for the gold medal game, the debate over Tatum’s playing time will undoubtedly continue. However, Kerr’s focus remains on the ultimate prize—another gold medal for Team USA. And while Tatum may be sidelined for now, his time on the international stage is far from over.
