You’d think Steve Kerr had benched LeBron James for the entire NBA Finals the way social media exploded after he decided to sit Jayson Tatum in Team USA’s Olympic opener. The online sports world was ablaze with opinions, criticisms, and some outright fury, questioning Kerr’s move and the implications for Team USA’s gold medal chances.
Among the voices adding fuel to the fire was former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins. Perkins, never one to hold back, made his feelings known on ESPN’s First Take, where he didn’t mince words about the decision to keep Tatum on the bench. “Jayson Tatum is a Swiss Army knife on the court. He’s 6’9″ with skills on both ends. The last time we grabbed gold, Kevin Durant was the star, but Tatum was right there behind him,” Perkins declared, hinting at the potential missed opportunity.
The backlash wasn’t just limited to TV pundits and Twitter warriors. Fans and analysts alike were scratching their heads, wondering why one of the league’s most dynamic forwards was left in his warm-ups. Perkins wasn’t done, though. “You don’t disrespect a player like Tatum. It’s embarrassing for him and confusing for everyone watching,” he added, reflecting the sentiments of many.
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Kerr, cool as ever, defended his decision. Speaking to FOX News, he explained the tightrope act of managing a roster in a 40-minute game. “You can’t play more than ten guys effectively,” Kerr noted. “Tatum is a phenomenal player and he took it in stride. He’ll be back out there next game.”
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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’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.
