Steve Kerr ‘felt like an idiot’ for benching Jayson Tatum, but his explanation is just cover for a harsh truth

Kerr’s Lineup Decision: Booker and Edwards Over Tatum vs. Serbia

In Team USA’s recent game against Serbia, Jayson Tatum, a standout player who has made the All-NBA First Team three years running, did not see any playing time. Despite the team’s victory and Kevin Durant’s impressive performance off the bench, the absence of Tatum from the game raised questions and fueled speculation about potential injuries or illness.

However, Tatum’s benching was a strategic choice by Coach Steve Kerr, not due to any physical issue. Kerr’s decision not to use Tatum, even with a significant lead in the fourth quarter, was based on tactical considerations. Kerr mentioned the difficulty of playing more than ten players in a 40-minute game and decided to stick with combinations he believed would work best, given the team’s overall depth and talent.

Kerr later admitted to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that he felt “like an idiot” for not playing Tatum but emphasized that lineups and matchups vary from game to game, suggesting Tatum would have opportunities to play in future matches.

Kerr’s rationale for not using Tatum was partly about matchups and lineup combinations. While Tatum’s versatility and ability to fit any role are well-known, Kerr opted for Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards, both of whom bring unique skills to the table. Booker, similar to Tatum in many respects, was chosen to support the starting lineup, while Edwards was selected for his scoring ability.

In a rotation filled with talent, decisions on playing time often come down to fit and strategy. Derrick White’s role as a defensive specialist, along with Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo’s positional needs, also influenced Kerr’s choices. Edwards, despite being a potential substitute for Tatum, was favored for his fit within the current lineup structure.

Kerr’s approach reflects the challenge of managing a roster full of elite players. The decision to not include Tatum in this game wasn’t a slight against him but rather a strategic move considering the game’s context and the team’s depth.

Looking ahead, Tatum is likely to see more playing time in upcoming group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. His role may be adjusted based on matchups and the need for different lineups as the tournament progresses. Kerr’s decisions aim to maximize Team USA’s chances of success, and balancing playing time among so many talented players is a complex task.