Steve Kerr Explains Why Jayson Tatum Was Benched for Team USA Win vs. Serbia

The Team USA head coach broke down the most controversial decision of Team USA's Olympic opener.

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr on the sideline during USA-Serbia / Getty Images Europe / Christina Pahnke - sampics / Contributor

On Sunday, Team USA steamrolled Serbia, 110-84, to kick off another run at an Olympic gold medal. As expected. What wasn't as expected was the complete absence of Jayson Tatum; the All-NBA forward didn't see the floor at any point during the 26-point win.

Some theorized Tatum was dealing with an injury or illness, but the Boston Celtics superstar said afterwards that he was totally healthy. Which means his DNP was 100% Steve Kerr's call.

Shortly after the game, Kerr explained to reporters why Tatum was benched for the Team USA opener. In essence, Kerr wanted to get Kevin Durant back into the flow of things after he missed every exhibition game with a calf injury. He also said he "went with combinations that make sense," and that left no minutes for Tatum. However, Kerr was quick to note that Tatum will "make his mark" as the Games go on.

Kerr admits Tatum was a straight up DNP-CD. “I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He’ll make his mark.” #Celtics #Paris2024

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 28, 2024

Steve Kerr says Jayson Tatum sat mostly because of getting KD into the mix.
But said there will be opportunities.

“He’ll make his mark.”

— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 28, 2024

Kerr does not have an easy job sorting out which extremely talented players should play with a fairly small margin for error given the outsized expectations surrounding Team USA basketball. And given how well Durant played right from the gun, it may be as simple as Kerr deciding to ride the hot hand. Team USA's comfortable victory takes a lot of the focus off the decision anyhow.

It's still an interesting coaching decision and one to keep an eye on as the Games go forward.