Steve Kerr risked the wrath of Boston Celtics fans on Thursday when he decided to bench Jayson Tatum for Team USA’s 95-91 semi-final victory over Serbia. Kerr has benched Tatum twice during the Olympics, despite the St. Louis native being one of the most complete talents on the roster.
During an interview with The Boston Globe, Celtics legend Bob Cousy let rip on Kerr’s decision to sit Tatum despite Team USA struggling throughout the game. He questioned whether Kerr had a bias against the Celtics and declared that Tatum had been embarrassed by Kerr’s actions and decision-making.
“Tatum is on the cover of Sports Illustrated this month,” Cousy said. “Any experts that I’ve read lately have chosen him in the top five, and sometimes No. 1 in the [expletive] world. Now Kerr is telling the world that he doesn’t agree… And then to not let Tatum get off the bench — to me, there’s got to be some kind of bias that he’s got against the Celtics. He’s not alone there…He must think Tatum is a detriment, and I don’t see how he can feel that way and know anything about basketball.”
Tatum went into the Olympics as a recently crowned NBA champion and All-NBA First-Team selection. He has proven himself to be one of the best players in the world. When looking at Team USA’s roster, there is no logical reason for him to have been benched on two occasions.
Celtics Lab 276: A closer look at the Olympics, Team USA, and the Celtics with Noa Dalzell https://t.co/8pKriN9TpA pic.twitter.com/BxWhKDs48x
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 5, 2024
Cousy’s comments mirror those of Celtics fans, many of whom had taken to social media to share their confusion at Kerr’s decision-making. Team USA is set to face France in the final game on Saturday.
It will be interesting to see whether Tatum returns to the rotation, or if Kerr once again chooses to keep him glued to the bench.
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