Brian Windhorst spoke on First Take about Steve Kerr’s decision to not play Jayson Tatum against Serbia once again. He noted that Kerr is taking advantage of the depth his team has and makes decisions based on the opponents. While Tatum not playing is an unfortunate consequence, it is a circumstance that is unavoidable for Kerr and Team USA.
“I just don’t agree with Charles [Barkley]. If you look at this roster, if you look at what’s happened in the tournament. They’ve got 10 players averaging between 16 and 22 minutes. [Steve Kerr’s] using the depth. Not only that, it’s been the five-man swapouts in the second unit that have been the difference in the first four games of the Olympics.”
“It was the second unit that won the game against Serbia last time around… When the U.S. won the game yesterday, and made that run, they did it because they were playing international, FIBA-level basketball… They were most proud that they won it playing the international game… It was high, physical defense, full-court pressure…”
“That’s what Steve Kerr has been training them for the last month. They responded to the game plan and the training, and it delivered. They won that game with physical defense. They wouldn’t be allowed to play defense in the NBA that way. Steve Kerr and the rest of the coaches have gotten them ready for it.”
“As far as playing 12 guys – What league in the world does 12 guys work? You don’t play 12 guys in high school! The only time it works is when you’re 40 points better than the opponent, which the Dream Team was in 1992. There is no team that is 40 points better anymore. It’s not a character flaw.”
Brian Windhorst does make some valid points here. Steve Kerr has consistently used his players not based on their superstar names, but on what they can bring to the team tactically. Kerr will not hesitate to drop another player on the roster in order to keep his team playing the basketball he wants.
Steve Kerr Will Have Tough Decisions To Make Before France Game
Going into the gold medal game against France, Steve Kerr will have to make some tough decisions about his lineup choices. It was reported earlier today that Kevin Durant is expected to finally start for Team USA, with Jrue Holiday set to come off the bench against France.
Durant starting for Team USA means that the forward spots for the starting lineup are effectively occupied by LeBron James and Kevin Durant. As for the guard spots, Kerr will most likely stick with Stephen Curry and Devin Booker, the two players who he has entrusted with leading the backcourt for much of the Olympics so far.
At the center spot, while Joel Embiid has been starting most of the games for Team USA, Kerr might decide to go for Anthony Davis instead, as he is a better defender and rim protector, something Team USA will need against Victor Wembanyama.
Team USA will have a tough encounter with France, not just because of their size, but because of the massive home-court advantage they will walk in with. The crowd will be behind them, so Team USA must shut the crowd down early if they want to win the gold medal.
