After making the decision not to play star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum in Team USA's first game of the Olympics, head coach Steve Kerr has caught some heat. Social media was buzzing about the situation during and after the game and that chatter has not stopped.
NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has joined the list. An article from The Sporting News written by TJ Morin included a statement Perkins made on First Take. “Jayson Tatum is a versatile player…whatever you want him to play, he’s 6 '9 with a versatile package on both ends of the floor,” said Perkins.
The last time Team USA won the gold, Kevin Durant was the best player, you know who was the second best player? It was Jayson Tatum.” "You know what Jayson Tatum is going to bring to the table. You do not disrespect him and embarrass him the way that you did.
Steve Kerr explained his decision not to play Tatum. A FOX News article written by Scott Thompson included quotes made by Kerr. "Forty-minute game, you can’t play more than 10 [players]," Kerr said. "So, I think [Tatum’s] an amazing guy, great player and handled it beautifully. He’ll be back out there next game."
Yeah, it’s tough, but Jayson handled it really well," Kerr explained. "I talked to him before the game that it may play out this way, just with Kevin [Durant] coming back and the lineups that I wanted to get to.
But that will change. Jayson’s going to play, every game’s going to be different based on matchups." There does not appear to be any injuries plaguing Tatum and he should be ready to go against South Sudan tomorrow.