Devin Booker drops the dime amid the Jayson Tatum debate. Even though Team USA has taken the Paris Olympics with a thunderous run, the team seemed to have internal conflicts. Unfortunately, the blame falls on Steve Kerr. It isn’t an easy job managing a roster filled with more superstars. Someone or the other had to pay the price. Tatum has indeed paid for it and doesn’t seem too happy. However, D-Book embraced his role with pride.

Despite the team’s commanding win against Serbia, the only topic of discussion that took over the hoop nation was the JT snub. The analysts were all over the affair, questioning Steve Kerr for benching a reining NBA Champion with zero minutes. Kerr, in response, reasoned “match-ups” and “lineup combinations” for his drastic decision.

On the other end, Tatum didn’t mince a word, as he spoke his mind, saying, “You win a championship, new contract, NBA 2K25 cover, Sports Illustrated… so after all of this, it’s definitely a humbling experience.” Whereas, the star guard Devin Booker looked at his sacrifice through a different lens. Even though it’s hard to compare both stars’ sacrifices, Book seemed to have embraced it with pride. Notably, Booker took a job as a traditional guard role, dishing out 11 assists in 2 games at an average of 24 minutes per game, moving away from his anchor role which does with the Phoenix Suns.

Speaking of his reduced role, Devin Booker said, “Understanding you have to play a role. I always took pride in being able to do a little bit of everything. It’s not always going to be our scoring ability. You’re not always going to get the ball. Just locking into the details of the game,” in a recent interaction with a reporter.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum hasn’t had it easy. While he sat out in the first game, he started in the second, playing 17 minutes, and managed to drop only 4 points with a 2-4 FG.

Will Jayson Tatum shine amid Steve Kerr’s dilemma?

Steve Kerr faced a lot of backlash for benching Jayson Tatum in the first game. Especially, veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith went after him, calling him “nonsensical,” and further said, “Steve Kerr is so righteous how he go from playing zero minutes to being in the starting lineup in the next game because you know you shouldn’t have that sh*t, to begin with. Period.” 

Despite the amount of criticism coming his way, Kerr still has to make some tough decisions. Notably, in the second game, he benched Joel Embiid and started with Anthony Davis. While there wasn’t much outrage for the decision, the Tatum decision fetched him a few beatings. However, Kerr can’t make decisions based on the media uproar and instead should take calls based on what’s best for the side.

Interestingly, Kerr decided to evade the drama before the game against Puerto Rico by revealing the starting lineup much before. As per CBS Sports, the starting lineup includes Jrue Holiday, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and Devin Booker. Looking at the lineup, it seems like Tatum will have to stand on the sidelines once again. However, a recent update revealed that Holiday is Questionable for the next outing. So JT might get a call-up from the bench.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Essentially Sports’ latest exclusive, featuring bg12 x Silas Demary Jr. Keep checking this space for more such updates.