Controversy has erupted around Team USA following the benching of NBA champion Jayson Tatum.
This summer was poised to be monumental for Jayson Tatum, the Duke basketball star who recently secured his first NBA title, signed the richest contract in NBA history, was named the cover athlete of NBA2K25, and set his sights on winning a second Olympic gold medal in Paris.
However, plans took an unexpected turn when Tatum remained in his warmup gear throughout Team USA’s 110-84 victory over Serbia in their first Pool C game on Sunday.
Tatum was anticipated to play a pivotal role for Team USA, but the dynamics shifted when Kevin Durant, who had missed training camp and exhibitions due to a calf strain, was cleared to play. Durant delivered an impressive performance off the bench, scoring 23 points and missing only one of his nine shots.
Head coach Steve Kerr explained that Durant’s return and the need for more size against Serbia impacted Tatum’s playing time.
“It’s tough, but Jayson handled it really well,” Kerr told ESPN after the game. He mentioned that he had informed Tatum prior to the tipoff about the possibility of limited minutes in this particular matchup. “I felt like an idiot not playing him,” Kerr admitted.
Tatum had started two of Team USA’s five exhibition games, including one against Serbia, and averaged 17.8 minutes per contest.
“That’ll change. Jayson is going to play,” Kerr assured. “Every game is going to be different based on matchups. He’s a total pro. He’s First Team All-NBA three years in a row.”
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was also benched during the game.
Team USA is set to return to action on Wednesday, July 31, at 3:00 p.m. ET against South Sudan. The previous encounter between these teams nearly resulted in an upset for the Americans, saved only by a last-second basket from LeBron James.
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