Kerr ‘felt like an idiot’ for not playing Tatum in Team USA’s win over Serbia originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Team USA’s victory over Serbia in the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics was bittersweet for Boston Celtics fans.
While Jrue Holiday shined in the United States’ 110-84 victory, fellow C star Jayson Tatum mysteriously sat on the bench the entire game. He and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton were the only players on the US team who did not log any minutes.
Some speculated that Tatum did not play due to illness, but he denied that theory after the game, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
Team USA coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Tatum was not banned due to illness or injury. The 2024 NBA champion was left out because Kerr “opted for the combinations that made sense.”
“Each game will be different based on the matchups,” Kerr said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst after the game. “He’s a total professional, he’s made the All-NBA team three years in a row. I felt like an idiot for not playing him, but you know, a 40 minute game, you can’t play more than 10 [players].
“With Kevin [Durant] going back, I just went for the combinations that I thought made the most sense. It seems crazy. I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined that these were the lineups I wanted to get to.
“[Tatum will] leave your mark. Our guys know the key to all of this is to put all the NBA stuff in the rearview mirror and just win six games. Jayson is the best professional and champion and he handled it well and will be ready for the next game.”
Tatum watched as future Basketball Hall of Famers Kevin Durant (23 points) and LeBron James (21 points) led the Americans to victory. Holiday was a key contributor on both ends of the floor, with 15 points and two steals. The third Celtic on the roster, Derrick White, scored two points with two steals and a block.
Tatum hopes to play a part in the United States’ next game against South Sudan on Wednesday. Tip-off for this matchup is set for 3pm ET.
