The United States men’s national basketball team clinched the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but it was not without its share of controversy. Coach Steve Kerr faced backlash after deciding to bench Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum in two separate matchups against Serbia, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony weighed in on the situation, praising Tatum’s ability to handle the benching with grace. “What he went through was frustrating,” Anthony noted. “But he showed real resilience throughout the process.”
However, Anthony expressed disappointment in how Kerr managed Tatum’s playing time. “I don’t agree with the way it was handled. With only 40 minutes in a game, players deserve clear communication about their roles.”
“I don’t agree with how they went about it.”
Melo reveals his frustrations with how Jayson Tatum’s playing time was handled at the Olympics pic.twitter.com/pL0hsLWrQg
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) August 17, 2024
Tatum’s talent and recent championship win with the Celtics made the decision to bench him even more puzzling. Balancing the talent on Team USA isn’t easy, but critics feel Kerr could have navigated this situation better.
In the end, Tatum showcased his skills over the past few months, earning both a title and a gold medal. This experience may serve as fuel for his performance next season, pushing him to prove that he deserved more playing time on the international stage.
More news: Celtics Legend Calls it ‘Great’ Jayson Tatum Didn’t Play a Lot for Team USA