Jayson Tatum Benching Explained by USA HC Steve Kerr After Comeback Win Against Serbia | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Steve Kerr has once again criticized Jayson Tatum’s playing time.

Team USA’s coach did not use the forward in the team’s 95-91 semifinal victory over Serbia. It was the second time Tatum has been off the court during the Olympics, and Kerr said the problem is a “mathematical problem” and not representative of Tatum’s abilities.

“It’s not about what Jayson does or doesn’t do,” Kerr said, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press“It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has stepped in since he came back from his injury. It’s more of a math problem than anything.”

The saga of Tatum’s playing time began in the opening game of the Olympic tournament when Tatum did not touch the court in a 110-84 win over Serbia. He and Tyrese Haliburton were the only players not to play in that game, and the same thing happened in the second meeting between the teams.

Tatum has averaged 6.3 points, six rebounds and three assists in the other three games the U.S. has played. While those numbers aren’t groundbreaking, Tatum’s play with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24 makes the lockout confusing.

He averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 74 games for the Celtics and helped lead the team to the 2024 NBA championship. It was his first title and he was rewarded with a large contract extension after the season.

In addition to his NBA excellence, he has also had success on the international stage. He was on the 2020 Olympic team that won gold in Tokyo, averaging 15.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists during that run.

While Tatum didn’t get the chance to showcase his talents against Serbia at the 2024 Olympics, he’s hoping to make an impact in the gold medal game now. The U.S. is scheduled to take on France on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET for a chance to win a fifth straight gold medal.