Packed with the most alluring NBA stars, Team USA has led a mostly dominant run on their way to the gold medal. But still, some fans are enraged with coach Steve Kerr. Why so? It’s because Jayson Tatum, the reigning NBA champion remains unutilized, even when the Americans were struggling to score yesterday against Serbia. It has attracted bludgeoning criticism over Kerr’s methods. But can he be blamed when they keep winning? If anything, Kerr’s decision might have even influenced the French coach to make some courageous decisions.

When speaking of the hosts, Brian Windhorst expressed the disarray that existed within the team. Furthermore, France made it to the knockouts after a little bit of an initial struggle in the tournament. But over the last two games, the Victor Wembanyama-led France have killed off not just medal favorites Canada but also FIBA champions Germany. And Windy believes the reason is Vincent Collet’s decision to bench two prestigious players from the lineup.

“You’re talking about Jason Tatum as the 11th man. How about the two of the most decorated players in all of French basketball history, Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert? Their coach, Vincent Collet, pulled them out of the starting lineup and barely played them when they played Canada, their most important game. And it’s worked. The lineup changes have reinvigorated the French,” Windhorst claimed.

In the past two games, Collet has opted to play Guerschon Yabusele, an explosive scoring center over the defensive prowess of Rudy Gobert. The result has been an empowered French offense that doesn’t lean on young Wembanyama to conjure something. Since the start, the heavily built Yabusele has averaged 19.5 points per game, the most on the France roster.

Additionally, Isaia Cordinier’s blazing shooting has also led to a seamless spacing system for France, which was lacking with Fournier’s ongoing shooting difficulties. Collet has also made other changes around the lineups that have essentially enhanced the quality of basketball and seen France defeat two contenders in the process.

But should he continue with his latest changes in the gold medal game against Team USA?

Rudy Gobert has been productive against Team USA in the past

A major reason for benching DPOY Rudy Gobert is allegedly his timid scoring. In three group-stage games, the 32-year-old only averaged a whimsical 6 points per game. With Yabusele, that problem was addressed. However, if there is one rival the Timberwolves center likes to show up against, it is Team USA.

Notably, Fournier and Gobert were the key figures in France beating the USA on back-to-back occasions. First during the 2019 FIBA World Cup and then in the opening round of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

While it was years ago, the matchups might still favor them. Gobert’s physicality and elite rebounding could be key in stopping Team USA’s fierce transition play. Moreover, he has scored in double digits each of the last three times France has faced Team USA. With all on the line, Vincent Collet will have to beat his brain to find the perfect matchups for the star-studded depth Team USA boasts.

Maybe one of his schemes involves incorporating his veterans heavily in their quest for a maiden Olympic gold. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.