The Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum did not participate in Team USA’s opening official match of the Summer Olympics on Sunday, but he will have another opportunity to play shortly.
Tatum will be available for Team USA’s Wednesday match against South Sudan, head coach Steve Kerr informed reporters on Monday. According to Kerr, Tatum was aware that the All-Pro may be the odd man out going into Sunday’s game and handled it admirably.
Kerr noted that sharing playing time is the most difficult aspect of his job during the Olympics.
“For sure, the hardest part of this job is sitting at least a couple of guys who are world class, some of the very best players on earth,” Kerr told reporters. “On the one hand, it does not make any sense. On the other hand, I’m asking these players to just commit to winning one game and then go on to the next. I need to do the same thing.”
Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton were the only two players who did not participate in Sunday’s 110-84 victory over Serbia. Many fans were surprised to see Tatum on the bench, and Kerr’s decision sparked some harsh memes.
Kevin Durant stole the show in the victory over Serbia, returning from a calf injury and playing brilliantly. It would not be surprising if Tatum was given the opportunity to do so at some time during the tournament.
