Draymond Green Slams Steve Kerr and Team USA for Benchng Jayson Tatum
Draymond Green didn’t hold back in his criticism of Team USA head coach Steve Kerr and his staff for leaving Jayson Tatum on the bench during the Olympic opener against Serbia. On “The Draymond Green Show,” Green expressed his frustration, labeling the decision a major blunder.
“You don’t bench Jayson Tatum,” Green argued. “The guy just won an NBA title, graced the cover of NBA 2K and Sports Illustrated, and signed the biggest contract in NBA history. And his reward? He sits out the first Olympic game.”
Green was particularly surprised by the decision, noting that Tatum’s role was central to the team’s offense in 2021, where he and Kevin Durant were key players. He questioned Kerr’s choice to favor other lineup combinations and give more minutes to Durant, who was returning from injury.
Despite Kerr’s reasoning—favoring matchups against Serbia and managing Durant’s minutes—Green remained unconvinced, emphasizing Tatum’s significant contributions and accolades.
Following this game, Team USA made further lineup adjustments, including sitting Joel Embiid against South Sudan and Jrue Holiday due to injury against Puerto Rico. Green criticized these moves as well, suggesting a need for a consistent rotation rather than adjusting to opponents.
Although Team USA finished the group stage unbeaten and secured the top seed, Green’s comments spotlight ongoing debates and controversies within the team.
This Issue Is Overblown
While Tatum’s absence was notable, the situation has been exaggerated. Kevin Durant’s return after missing exhibition games justified his increased playtime. Durant made a significant impact, scoring 23 points, including 21 in a flawless first half.
It was just one game, and Tatum played in subsequent matches. With this being the second Olympics for Tatum and possibly the last for veteran stars like LeBron James, Durant, and Stephen Curry, Tatum will have ample opportunities to shine.
Fans may be eager to see Tatum on the court, but the decision to prioritize Durant’s reintegration was strategic. Tatum’s chance to make a significant impact will come, and there’s no need to overreact to a single game when considering the broader strategic goals and the honoring of veteran players in their final Olympic appearances.