Steve Kerr explains why Jayson Tatum was benched in Team USA’s first game

May 7, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) smiles before game one of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Kerr stunned fans with a decision he made during Team USA’s first official game of the Summer Olympics. The coach’s explanation won’t shed much light on the matter.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum didn’t play at all in Team USA’s 110-84 win over Serbia on Sunday. That was a bit of a surprise considering Tatum has averaged nearly 18 minutes per game during exhibition games and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.

Kerr told reporters after the match that he “picked the combinations that made sense.”

“I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight,” Kerr said. “He handled it well. He’ll make his mark.”

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

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 28, 2024

Some wondered if Tatum might not feel wellbut the five-time All-Star insisted he was “good.”

Tyrese Haliburton was the only other Team USA player to not play a single minute, although that wasn’t as surprising as Tatum’s absence. The result was obviously good for Team USA, so Kerr can justify his decisions on that basis.

Sunday was for Kevin Durant, who returned from a calf injury to completely disrupt Serbia. Tatum will just have to wait for his moment to shine in Paris.