Jesse D. GarrabrantNBAE via Getty Images
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Carmelo Anthony thought there was a troubling lack of communication between Team USA head coach Steve Kerr and Jayson Tatum when it came to Tatum’s role at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Anthony offered his thoughts in the newest episode of his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast.
“I understand why Jayson Tatum may have not played,” he said. “I don’t agree with how they went about it.”
Anthony believes Kerr and the coaching staff “wanted [Tatum] to do what Devin Booker did” and operate as more of a stretch 4 in a supporting role.
“But if you’re not told that—what’s your role—and you’re just told to figure it, right now if I get in the game I’m overthinking,” the retired star said. “We human too. Basketball players is human; athletes is human.”
Tatum’s playing time remained a talking point during the Summer Games as the United States went on to win a fifth straight gold. His 71 minutes played were the second-fewest on the team and he was glued to the bench for two of the six games in the tournament.
Considering he was in a frontcourt that included LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, Tatum knew coming in he would have to take a step back compared to the on-court freedom and influence he enjoys with the Boston Celtics. Fresh off winning a title with the Celtics, though, he probably wasn’t expecting to be such a passenger in Paris.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Aug. 12 on his Hoop Collective podcast that Kerr “decided he could play 10 guys” and that Tatum was the odd man out after Team USA’s coaches made their evaluations.
This is always the challenge for the head coach of the United States, especially when as many stars decide to play for the national team as they did this summer. Certain tactical decisions are required, and that inevitably means one or two players will be left on the outside looking in.
Kerr can point to Team USA’s victory as validation of his approach, but there might be some lessons to take from his handling of Tatum that could prove beneficial at future tournaments.
