Team USA kicked off their Olympic campaign with an emphatic 110-84 victory over Serbia, showcasing their depth and strategic flexibility under head coach Steve Kerr. The victory, however, came with the notable absence of star player Jayson Tatum, a decision that Kerr later elaborated on.
Kerr's Strategic Decisions
Tatum, a first-team All-NBA player, and champion, missed the opening game, and Kerr took it upon himself to explain the rationale behind this decision. "Jayson will play [Wednesday]," Kerr assured. He further noted, "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."
To secure the win against Serbia, Kerr and his coaching staff meticulously analyzed matchups and performances from previous exhibition games. This analysis led to the decision to feature three centers: Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo, aiming to counter Serbia's imposing frontcourt players. This tactical shift paid off, creating mismatches that favored Team USA throughout the game.
The Derrick White Impact
One of the standout performances was by Derrick White, who emerged as a pivotal figure off the bench. The statistics back it up: Team USA was plus-15 when White was on the floor. His impact was felt on both ends of the court, providing a spark that helped Team USA maintain and extend their lead. White’s contribution is a testament to Kerr’s assertion that “we need everybody” to be prepared for the varying styles of play they will encounter.
Learning from Past Experiences
Kerr’s extensive experience in international basketball has clearly informed his decisions. He previously served as an assistant coach in the 2019 World Cup in China and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Last summer, he head-coached Team USA in the World Cup held in Manila. These experiences have provided him with a wealth of insights into managing the pressures and unpredictabilities of international tournaments.
"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," Kerr remarked. "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."
Looking Ahead to South Sudan
Next up for Team USA is a clash with South Sudan, a team that has proven to be a formidable opponent. In their previous encounter, South Sudan pushed Team USA to a narrow one-point victory, draining 14 three-pointers in the process. Reflecting on the challenge, Kerr emphasized the need for versatility and preparedness. "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."
In that narrow victory against South Sudan, Tatum played 16 minutes and scored nine points. His average of 6.7 points over the five exhibition games suggests that while he may not have lit up the scoreboard, his presence on the court offers strategic advantages that Kerr is keen to leverage.
The decision to rest Tatum against Serbia highlights the depth and adaptability of the Team USA roster. It also underscores Kerr's strategic acumen in managing both individual player performance and overall team dynamics. As they prepare for their upcoming game, the expectation is that Tatum will be brought back into the fold, potentially at the expense of other world-class talents.
Kerr’s comments and strategic decisions provide a glimpse into the nuanced balancing act required to lead a team of elite athletes on the international stage. As Team USA continues their Olympic journey, the lessons from each game will undoubtedly inform their approach, optimizing their chances for ultimate success.