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Steve Kerr stands out among all teammates of USA Basketball's head coaches in more criticism than positive reviews, especially regarding his actions during the last Paris Winter Olympics. One argument that has divided many is Kerr’s refusal to play Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics more.
Regarding Kerr's particular use of Tatum, Bonzi Wells was critical while appearing on "The Sheed X Tyler Show." As Wells tells NBACentral, Kerr's method was “disrespecting” Tatum though the player himself, in Well’s eyes, Tatum did the right thing.
Wells Questions Kerr
Considering Tatum is one the hottest properties for the Celtics, Wells could not understand that Tatum's turnover was more minutes than he was used. Further irritating the situation, two of Tatum’s Celtics’ teammates, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White were given more minutes than Tatum managed to get.
Wells found this baffling decision a little more than 3 weeks after Tatum helped Boston clinch the NBA title. “In the end, Tatum is a man for the Celtics’ franchise,” Wells pointed out. “However, while it was important Olympic matches, he stayed glued to the bench as his fellow players represented Team USA”.
That is, there is a tactical logic such as pursuing players who fit into the system, which is fine, Wells accepts. But he balanced it out by saying that Tatum should have had a chance. On the other hand, Holiday and White have made the most as role players, but Wells feels Tatum would have thrived in a similar role if given a chance.
“Instead,” Wells said, “Tatum never got the opportunity to be a part of Kerr's plans for him”. This controversy has long faded away from the headlines about the Olympic Games themselves. Fans and analysts have been left wondering if Kerr had erred in moving Tatum to the bench.
As for Tatum, it is now his moment to shine as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season. Could this Olympic snub provide him the fire to come into the season off the back of what may have been one of the more disappointing moments from an Olympic campaign?
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