Team USA head coach Steve Kerr found himself under scrutiny once again after not playing Joel Embiid in a game against South Sudan following criticism for not playing Jayson Tatum in the Olympic opener against Serbia. Despite being a starter, Embiid did not see a single minute of playing time in the game, with Kerr opting to use Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo at center instead. Adebayo led the team in points with 18, while Emiid, who was the NBA’s leading scorer last season, struggled in the opener against Serbia.
Kerr stated after the game that the decision not to play Embiid was based on the speed of the South Sudan team, believing that Davis and Adebayo would be better suited to match up against them. He also mentioned that Embiid would be in the starting lineup for the next game against Puerto Rico. The choice to not play Embiid raised eyebrows, especially considering his strong performance in a previous matchup with South Sudan where he scored 14 points, had seven rebounds, and posted a plus-15 in plus-minus.
The exclusion of Tatum in the opening game also caused a stir, but he did see playing time in the game against South Sudan. However, his performance was lackluster, scoring just four points in 17 minutes on the court. Kerr’s decisions regarding playing time for certain players highlight the challenges of managing a talented roster during the Olympic Games, where matchups play a significant role in determining player rotations.
Kerr’s choices regarding playing time have sparked discussion on social media, with many pointing out the absence of star players like Embiid and Tatum in certain games. With more games on the horizon, Kerr will face more tough decisions regarding who to play and when. Despite the criticism, Kerr is tasked with maximizing the potential of a loaded 12-man roster in pursuit of Olympic gold.
As Team USA continues its journey in the Summer Games, Kerr will need to navigate the delicate balance of utilizing his talented roster effectively while considering matchup dynamics. The exclusion of players like Embiid and Tatum in certain games highlights the challenges of coaching a team of elite players with high expectations. Kerr’s decisions will be closely scrutinized as Team USA competes for a medal in the Olympic basketball tournament.
