Staff USA basketball seemed very spectacular on Sunday in its first sport of group play, because it blew Serbia out of the water in a 110-84 win.
Kevin Durant was in volcano mode with 23 factors, however one man was notably absent from the sport.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum didn’t play a single minute, resulting in some delicate criticism for head coach Steve Kerr, together with from Stephen A. Smith, who scorched Kerr for his determination to not play Tatum.
Tatum getting benched is BS pic.twitter.com/Z2FfRs14yJ
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 29, 2024
One may debate if Tatum is a real famous person and franchise participant, however he has made the All-Star staff in every of the final 5 seasons, and final month, he received his first NBA championship.
One subject Staff USA has — and it’s subject to have — is discovering taking part in time for everybody due to the immense quantity of expertise it boasts.
In truth, some have prompt it has as a lot expertise because the legendary 1992 Dream Staff that stomped its strategy to the Gold Medal that summer time in Barcelona.
However in Smith’s eyes, Kerr ought to’ve discovered some significant taking part in time for Tatum on Sunday due to how lopsided the sport was.
Issues won’t get simpler for the US because the Olympics transfer on — on Wednesday, it should face a South Sudan staff it barely beat in a current exhibition sport, then it should play Puerto Rico earlier than shifting on to the following section of competitors.
That’s when issues will get aggressive for the People, they usually may use some assist from Tatum by then.
Alternatively, Kerr must go along with the gamers who’re getting issues accomplished for him, and there may be all the time the prospect that received’t embrace Tatum.
NEXT:
Brian Windhorst Reveals Why Steve Kerr Benched Jayson Tatum
