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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-2024-07-21T065315.154.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
Team USA has gone through all sorts of criticism, despite their 5-0 winning run in pre-Olympics exhibition games. While the media pointed fingers at individual stars like Joel Embiid for their underwhelming run, now it’s on the coach, Steve Kerr. The situation would’ve been worse if not for LeBron James. The LA Lakers superstar saved the team from embarrassment twice in a row with his heroic clutch plays. However, it wasn’t enough to save Kerr from the brutal criticism out there.
In the latest episode of Martin Weiss & VJ Huskey’s Fox Sports radio show, Weiss didn’t waste any time before taking his first shot at Kerr. He started off the show, hours after Team USA’s close win against Germany, saying, “If they fired Steve Kerr after this I wouldn’t blink twice. It is mindboggling the way he is moving about these exhibition games.” He further went on to break down his reasons for his criticisms. Weiss definitely didn’t seem impressed by Steve Kerr’s choice to still trust his starting lineup.
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via Reuters
Basketball – USA Basketball Showcase – United States v Serbia – Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. during the match REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
Weiss continued, “To start the same starting lineup that played Canada. At this point what more do you need to see that the second unit is significantly better than the first one like top to bottom.” Kerr carefully crafted a starting lineup from the super-powered roster that included LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker. While Steph and Bron showed signs of brilliance, the other three have contributed with merely bits and pieces during the 5-game run.
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What’s your reaction?
Should Steve Kerr be fired after Team USA's shaky performance? React!
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Speaking of it, Martin Weiss put forward a question to Kerr, “The starting lineup very much should not include Devin Booker, should not include Joel Embiid and borderline Jrue Holiday…I feel like (they) should be starting on a consistent basis for this team is LeBron and Steph and if this is the supposed to be warm-ups for the Olympics where these games are going to matter and going to count; why are you not maximizing or trying to maximize?“. While Team USA has been winning, the lineup selection has caused major controversy raising fingers at the head coach’s status too.
How will Steve Kerr safeguard his legacy?
There’s no doubt that Steve Kerr has been the best NBA coach in the league over the last 10 years. He led the Warriors to 6 Finals and won 4 of them. However, the star coach has taken a few beatings with his latest campaigns with Team USA. Firstly, the Hoopers under him failed to win a medal in the 2023 FIBA WC and the Warriors failed to even qualify for the playoff in the last season. Now, Kerr’s legacy is on the line if the team fails to go all the way at the Paris Olympics despite having an overpowered roster.
Nevertheless, Martin Weiss has some suggestions for the seasoned coach. Weiss continued, “If Steve Kerr doesn’t move Anthony Edwards and Anthony Davis minimum into the starting lineup, I don’t know what the hell he’s doing there.” Anthony Davis has definitely been impressive in the stretch securing 15 blocks off the bench and Anthony Edwards has been moving the needle with his athleticism.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Steve Kerr the right man for Team USA, or is LeBron James carrying the team alone?
Have an interesting take?
Moreover, the veteran radio show host also dropped his starting lineup which included Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, and Bam Adebayo. Do you think this starting lineup will help Team USA to be the best? Let us know your versions in the comments below.
Debate
Is Steve Kerr the right man for Team USA, or is LeBron James carrying the team alone?