Steve Kerr has emphasized the crucial role Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will play in Team USA's quest for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold, despite Tatum not featuring in Sunday’s opening win over Serbia. Tatum, a five-time All-Star and key player in Boston's recent NBA championship, watched from the bench as the USA secured a convincing 110-84 victory.
Kerr explained that Tatum's absence was due to the need to accommodate Kevin Durant's return from injury. He acknowledged that the decision might have seemed unusual but justified it by the difficulty of managing more than ten players in a 40-minute game. Kerr admitted that his choice of line-ups initially felt unconventional but was based on strategic considerations.
Despite not playing in the opener, Kerr is confident that Tatum will make a significant impact as the tournament progresses. He praised Tatum as a "First Team All-NBA" player and one of the best in the world, noting his professionalism and readiness to contribute when called upon.
Looking ahead, Kerr stressed the importance of focusing solely on winning and setting aside NBA rivalries. The USA's next game is against South Sudan on Wednesday, followed by their final group match against Puerto Rico in Lille next Saturday. Kerr is optimistic that Tatum will be fully prepared to make his mark in these upcoming games.
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