Despite 5x NBA All-Star and a championship run for the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum found himself on the bench. As the Olympics reached the semi-finals, fans witnessed a jaw-dropping moment when Steve Kerr put Tatum on the bench for the second time. No doubt this move received wide backlash from fans and commentators. Among the chorus of voices questioning the move, a former NBA legend questioned Steve Kerr’s current reasoning.

Steve Kerr, the head coach of Team USA, described the benching of Tatum as a “math problem.” The coach said “It’s not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing. It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has filled in since he came back from his injury. It’s just a math problem more than anything.” After this being said, Jamal Crawford, clearly unimpressed by Kerr’s reasoning, took to Twitter, declaring, “Yea, no… I’m not rolling with this.”

Kerr had previously also benched Tatum in the Olympics opener against Serbia and for the second time around as well, it was in a game against Serbia that Tatum had to assume the role of the benchwarmer. Despite emerging on the winning end in the semifinal, it was not an easy victory for Team USA against Serbia as they struggled in the first, second, and third quarters. Without Tatum’s defensive versatility and scoring ability on the floor, Serbia exploited gaps in the U.S. defense and shot regular three-pointers.

Jayson Tatum’s performance during the 2024 Olympics underscores why his benching in the semifinals was a questionable decision. Throughout the tournament, Tatum averaged 6.3 points and 6 rebounds per game, including a standout 10-point, 10-rebound performance against Puerto Rico. His ability to contribute across the board, particularly in rebounding and defense, made him an essential player for Team USA. However, for the first time that Kerr had benched Tatum against Serbia, he apologized for his decision.

Jayson Tatum’s mother calls Steve Kerr

Steve Kerr, the head coach of Team USA, issued an apology following his decision to bench Jayson Tatum. Kerr acknowledged that leaving Tatum out was a mistake, saying, “I felt like an idiot not playing him.” He explained that the choice was based on the lineup combinations he wanted to explore, especially with Kevin Durant returning from injury. Kerr reassured that this wouldn’t be a permanent situation, adding, “Jayson’s gonna play. Every game’s going to be different, based on matchups.”

However, when Tatum was benched against Serbia for the second time, Brandy Cole, Tatum’s mom was confused and furious. She called out the actions of Steve Kerr. She wrote, “No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE,” making her dissatisfaction with Kerr’s choice clear.

The discussion around Jayson Tatum’s benching during the 2024 Olympics brought to light the problems of managing a squad full of stars. Steve Kerr’s decision, despite his apology, left many angry and wondering the rationale behind it. Do you believe Kerr made the right decision, or should Tatum have had more time on the court? Share your thoughts below!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.