Stephen A. Smith unleashed a fiery rant on ESPN’s First Take, criticizing Joel Embiid and Steve Kerr at the Paris Olympics. Smith expressed shock that Embiid was healthy enough to make the trip to Paris, given his injury history that caused him to miss most games in his career.
SAS also took aim at Steve Kerr, who has faced criticism for his decision to bench Jayson Tatum during Team USA’s win over Serbia. Kerr defended his choice, citing matchups and lineups, but Smith strongly disagreed.
When he sat Joel Embiid, no one said anything against South Sudan. Here’s why. You have injury history. Missed the first two years of your career with foot problems… Joel Embiid I’m shocked he was healthy when he flew to Paris. I thought he was going to get injured flying to Paris. Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take
Kerr had announced that Embiid and Jrue Holiday will start for Team USA in their final group play game against Puerto Rico. However, Smith’s criticism has added to the pressure on the team as they head into the quarterfinals.
Stephen A. Smith slams Steve Kerr for benching Jayson Tatum
Stephen A. Smith spoke out against Steve Kerr’s decision to bench Jayson Tatum in Team USA’s game against Serbia on July 27. Smith believes that Kerr embarrassed Tatum by not giving him any playing time.
Jayson Tatum ain’t even 28. The man has been to five conference finals, two NBA Finals, first-team All-NBA the last three years… you letting him know ‘we got 10 players we gonna play before you, we might not get to you.’ Do you have any idea how insulting that is? Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take
Smith argued that Tatum’s impressive resume and skills make him one of the top players on the team, and that it was unnecessary to bench him. He also pointed out that Tatum’s Celtics teammates, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, understand his value as their team’s leader.
Nonetheless, so far Team USA has dominated Serbia and South Sudan at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing their depth and versatility. Coach Steve Kerr used different lineups for each game, resulting in blowout wins and advancing to the Knockout round, with notable players like Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid sitting out. SAS’s criticism is most likely going to be ignored by Coach Kerr.
