Team USA head coach Steve Kerr is receiving a lot of backlash from NBA fans for not playing Jayson Tatum during the first Olympic game against Serbia on Sunday.
He is also hearing it from analysts, including Tim Legler.
Legler said he disagreed with Kerr’s choice and stated that it was “extremely disrespectful,” according to a video shared by CelticsUnite on Twitter.
“Jayson Tatum has a greater resume than guys that were playing,” Legler added.
Tim Legler on Jayson Tatum not playing:
“I totally disagree with what happened, I thought it was extremely disrespectful. Jayson Tatum has a greater resume than guys that were playing”
Thoughts? 🤔
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) July 29, 2024
Legler said he understands that Kerr has a lot of players to choose from and has to make the best choices for his team.
But he still thinks that Tatum should have gotten some time in the game.
In fact, he feels that all players need to participate in every single game and hopes Kerr makes changes moving forward that prevent another instance like this one.
It’s unlikely that Kerr will listen to Legler and change his approach.
Although he wants to make American fans happy, Kerr has only one goal: winning a gold medal.
That means he will alter his lineups in ways that benefit Team USA, no matter how much they offend people.
He has a whole team of coaches around him and they must have signed off on this choice too, meaning he isn’t the only one who thought Tatum should sit.
Plus, Team USA easily beat Serbia, which proves Kerr knows what he is doing.
But countless people are upset right now and they want to see a lot more of Tatum in the next game.
Kerr said they will, which should put an end to any conversation about Tatum being disrespected.
NEXT:
Brian Windhorst Names 1 Team USA Player Who Could Get Benched