The 2024 United States Olympic men’s basketball team has been dominating in their group stage games against Serbia and South Sudan. However, their success hasn’t come without controversy surrounding the starting lineup. Head coach Steve Kerr faced criticism for benching Celtics star Jayson Tatum in the game against Serbia, despite Tatum’s impressive track record in the NBA.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was vocal about his disapproval of Kerr’s decision, pointing out Tatum’s accomplishments and questioning why he was benched in favor of players who aren’t on his level. Tatum was ultimately sidelined in the game against Serbia but returned to the starting lineup and contributed to the U.S. victory over South Sudan.
Tatum himself expressed humility about the situation, emphasizing that it’s not about individual players but the team’s success as a whole. Kerr also opted to bench 76ers star Joel Embiid in a subsequent game, showcasing a strategic approach to the team’s lineup.
The U.S. is gearing up to face Puerto Rico, and fans are eager to see how the starting lineup will shape up for this matchup. Despite the initial controversy, the team’s performance on the court continues to impress, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic journey.
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