Jayson Tatum did not see any action in Team USA’s first official game of the Summer Olympics on Sunday. However, the Boston Celtics star is poised to make his mark soon.
Head coach Steve Kerr informed reporters on Monday that Tatum will be in the lineup when Team USA faces South Sudan on Wednesday. Kerr mentioned that Tatum was aware before Sunday’s game that he might be one of the players to sit out and handled the situation professionally.
“Jayson will play on Wednesday,” Kerr stated, as reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “I’m not gonna answer your next question, which is, ‘If he plays, who doesn’t?’ But we’re gonna 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.”
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Kerr acknowledged that managing playing time is the most challenging aspect of his role at the Olympics.
“The hardest part of this job is sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class, some of the very best players on earth,” Kerr explained. “On one hand, it makes no sense at all. On the other, I’m asking these guys to just commit to winning one game and then move onto the next one. I have to do the same thing.”
In the 110-84 victory over Serbia, Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton were the only two players who did not get on the floor. Fans were surprised to see Tatum on the bench, and Kerr’s decision sparked a flurry of memes and reactions on social media.
The win over Serbia was dominated by Kevin Durant, who made a remarkable comeback from a calf injury with an outstanding performance. It would not be surprising if Tatum seizes a similar opportunity to shine as the tournament progresses.
Kerr’s strategy highlights the depth and talent of Team USA’s roster, requiring difficult decisions to balance playing time among elite players.
As the tournament unfolds, Tatum is expected to play a crucial role, contributing his skills and experience to the team’s pursuit of Olympic gold.
