In a stunning display of dominance, Team USA cruised to a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia to kick off their Olympic campaign. The win, however, was achieved without the presence of Jayson Tatum, a first-team All-NBA player and champion, raising questions and eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Kerr’s Strategic Choices
Under the careful guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, Team USA made a bold strategic decision. Kerr, who had a meeting with Tatum to explain the decision, chose to bench the star player for the opening match. “I’m not going to answer your next question, which is if he plays, who doesn’t. But we’re going to need him, and part of this job for me is to keep everybody engaged and ready, because my experience with this is crazy stuff happens,” explained Kerr.
The decision didn’t come lightly. Kerr, along with his coaching staff, scrutinized matchups and performances from Team USA’s exhibition games. Their analysis led them to feature a trio of centers: Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo. This approach was designed to counter Serbia's formidable frontcourt presence. “The hardest part of this job is you’re sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class, some of the very best players on Earth. On one hand, it makes no sense at all. On the other, I’m asking these guys to just commit to winning one game and then move on to the next one. I have to do the same thing. And so I felt like last night those were the combinations that made the most sense,” Kerr elaborated.
Rise of Derrick White
Amidst these strategic adjustments, Derrick White emerged as a pivotal figure off the bench, making a significant impact on the court. Team USA was an impressive plus-15 with White on the floor, highlighting his importance to the squad. His contributions ensured that the absence of Tatum did not go unfelt, providing a spark that propelled the team to victory.
Tatum's Role Moving Forward
Tatum’s role, however, is far from over. Averaging 6.7 points in Team USA’s five exhibition games, he has shown potential that is vital for the team's success. Kerr has confirmed that Tatum will indeed play in the upcoming match. “Jayson will play [Wednesday],” stated Kerr. The challenge will be in balancing the roster as South Sudan poses a different threat. South Sudan, known for their lethal three-point shooting, drained 14 three-pointers in their previous encounter with Team USA, pushing them to a narrow one-point victory.
“With South Sudan, it’s more about the speed, and speed is a killer. You have to be prepared for everything, and that means we need everybody,” said Kerr, acknowledging the need for a varied and versatile squad to tackle the upcoming challenge.
Kerr's Coaching Experience
The trust in Kerr's decisions is bolstered by his extensive experience. He has previously served as an assistant coach during the 2019 World Cup in China and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. More recently, he was the head coach at the World Cup in Manila last summer. His comprehensive understanding of international basketball dynamics and player management under pressure gives him a well-rounded perspective.
As Team USA prepares to face South Sudan, all eyes will be on how Kerr and his team adjust their strategies to incorporate speed and finesse, qualities that will be essential against their next opponents. Tatum, who played 16 minutes and scored nine points last week in London, will be a crucial asset.
The journey ahead promises to be challenging, but if the game against Serbia is any indication, Steve Kerr's methodical and inclusive approach seems to be laying a solid foundation for Team USA's success in this Olympic campaign.