Team USA kicked off their Olympic campaign with a dominating 110-84 victory over Serbia, setting a strong tone for the games. The notable absence of first-team All-NBA player and champion Jayson Tatum was a strategic decision implemented by head coach Steve Kerr and his staff.
A Strategic Approach
Kerr, who has amassed valuable experience as an assistant coach in the 2019 World Cup in China and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, took the helm as the head coach at last summer’s World Cup in Manila. He used this wealth of experience to make calculated decisions, including his lineup for the game against Serbia. Notably, Kerr chose to feature three centers: Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo, aiming to counter Serbia's formidable frontcourt presence.
Kerr’s tactical approach wasn't without its challenges. He acknowledged the difficulty of sitting out world-class players stating, "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."
The Bench Comes Up Big
The decision to sit Tatum paid off, with Derrick White emerging as a pivotal figure off the bench. Team USA was plus-15 when White was on the floor, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court. This bench performance exemplified the depth and versatility of the squad, fortifying Kerr’s strategic choices.
In a meeting with Tatum, Kerr explained his decision, further emphasizing the need for readiness and engagement from every player. Kerr assured that "Jayson will play [Wednesday]," without specifying who would not play to make space for Tatum. "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," Kerr stated.
Eyes on South Sudan
As Team USA looks to their upcoming game against South Sudan, the lessons from their previous narrow one-point victory over the same team cannot be ignored. South Sudan, known for their speed and shooting prowess, drained 14 three-pointers in their last encounter. Kerr’s focus is clear: "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."
Tatum's performance in the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, where he averaged 6.7 points, also adds an interesting dimension to the upcoming contest. His ability to adapt and contribute will be crucial against a fast-paced South Sudan team. Notably, Tatum played 16 minutes and scored nine points last week in London, showing glimpses of his capability to make a significant impact.
Kerr’s meticulous analysis of matchups and performances from exhibition games underlines his commitment to each game’s unique demands. His experience and strategic depth will be put to the test as Team USA continues their Olympic journey. However, the resounding victory against Serbia has already set a positive precedent for what lies ahead.