Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Product Stuck on Bench in Team USA Opener

Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum was one of only two to get zero minutes from Steve Kerr.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum
Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum / Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
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It wasn't clear why 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done Jayson Tatum didn't see a single minute of action in Team USA's 110-84 opening win over Serbia at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday. But head coach Steve Kerr's decision not to play the reigning NBA champion created quite a stir on social media, including gripes from Boston Celtics fans, naturally, and jokes from others.

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The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn reported a puzzling observation at halftime:

"Something might be going on with Tatum here. He was the last Team USA player out of the locker room and walked straight to the bench without warming up."

After the game, Washburn asked Tatum if he was sick.

"No, I'm good," the 26-year-old replied.

One explanation for Jayson Tatum's absence from Kerr's 10-man rotation is as simple as Kevin Durant returning from a calf injury. Durant tallied a game-high 23 points off the bench.

"I went with the combinations that made sense," Kerr told the media afterward. "That was for tonight. [Tatum] handled it well. He'll make his mark."

Tyrese Haliburton is the only other Team USA player who rode the bench against Serbia.

Next up for the Americans is a Group C showdown against South Sudan (1-0), including Duke basketball freshman center Khaman Maluach, at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday.

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Former Duke basketball star RJ Barrett and Canada (1-0) are in Group A. They face Australia at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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