Steve Kerr Explains Why Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Was Benched in the Olympics

Reasons for Tatum's Olympic benching

• Mathematical combinations: Kerr explained that Jayson Tatum's limited playing time was due to mathematical combinations and the need to balance the roster with 12 NBA stars

• Second unit performance: The performance of the second unit, which has been a bright spot on defense, influenced Team USA Basketball's decision to limit Tatum's minutes

• Matchup considerations: In specific games, like against Serbia, Celtics star Tatum's versatile wing skillset wasn't as needed due to the opponent's focus on guards and bigs

• Inconsistent shooting: Tatum's inconsistent shooting could have posed problems in close games, potentially influencing Kerr's decision to bench the Celtics star in the Olympics

Kerr's explanations for Tatum's Olympic benching

• "Math problem": Steve Kerr described the situation as a "math problem", emphasizing that with 12 NBA stars on Team USA Basketball, it's not practical to play everyone

• Not performance-related: Kerr stressed that the decision to bench Jayson Tatum in the Olympics had nothing to do with Tatum's performance, but was based on combinations and matchups

• Humbling experience: Tatum called his previous benching against Serbia in the group stage "humbling", though he hasn't commented on being benched in the semifinal

Team USA Basketball roster context

• Star-studded lineup: The 2024 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team features 11 NBA All-Stars, including four NBA MVPs

• Experienced team: The team includes seven returning Olympians, the most for any U.S. men's team in Olympic history

• Oldest team: With an average age of 30 years, 9 months, this is the oldest U.S. Olympic men's basketball team in history

Reactions and criticism to Tatum's Olympic benching

• Bob Cousy's criticism: Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy called Tatum's benching an "embarrassment" for the player

• Brad Stevens' support: Celtics president Brad Stevens said Tatum remains focused on helping Team USA win the gold medal, viewing it as a unique opportunity

FAQ

Why did Steve Kerr bench Jayson Tatum in the Olympics?

Steve Kerr explained that Tatum's benching was due to mathematical combinations and matchup considerations, not his performance. With 12 NBA stars on the team, Kerr described it as a "math problem" where it wasn't practical to play everyone.

What was the main reason for Jayson Tatum's Olympic benching?

The primary reason for Tatum's benching was the need to balance the roster and manage playing time among 12 NBA stars. Kerr emphasized that it was a matter of mathematical combinations rather than Tatum's individual performance.

How did Team USA Basketball's roster composition affect Kerr's decision on Tatum?

The star-studded lineup of 11 NBA All-Stars and seven returning Olympians created a highly competitive environment. This depth made it challenging to distribute playing time, leading to tough decisions like benching Tatum in certain games.

Did Tatum's performance contribute to his benching in the Olympics?

No, according to Steve Kerr, Tatum's benching was not related to his performance. Kerr stressed that the decision was based on roster combinations and matchup considerations against specific opponents.

How did Jayson Tatum react to being benched in the Olympics?

Tatum called his previous benching against Serbia in the group stage "humbling." However, he hasn't publicly commented on being benched in the semifinal. Celtics president Brad Stevens mentioned that Tatum remains focused on helping Team USA win the gold medal.