Jayson Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, didn’t appear to be in a celebratory temper after Workforce USA’s 95-91 semifinal win in opposition to Serbia on the Paris Olympics on Sunday
As an alternative, Cole took to X demanding solutions as to why Workforce USA coach Steve Kerr benched her son for the second time in the course of the Summer season Video games.
Cole aired her frustration in a reply to ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale, who was additionally inquisitive about Tatum’s lack of enjoying time in Paris — and cited his All-NBA resume (he was a primary group All-NBA choice three consecutive years).
“Somebody pls let me know is @jaytatum0 injured as he hasn’t obtained the PT ( enjoying time ) u would count on an All NBA participant to get,” Vitale wrote.
“No he not,” Cole replied. “However if you happen to discover out what’s happening please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”
Cole additionally reposted a message on X, “If Kerr is watching this and willingly deciding ‘Yeah, Jayson Tatum couldn’t assist right here’ then he legitimately can not coach in 2028,” by Barstool Sports activities’ Dan Greenberg.
Workforce USA head coach Steve Kerr stated “it’s only a math downside” making an attempt to determine who’s going to play.
“It’s not about something Jayson is doing or not doing,” Kerr stated. “It’s nearly mixtures and the best way that group has performed collectively, the best way Kevin [Durant] has crammed in since he got here again from his damage. It’s only a math downside greater than something.”
Kerr defined that Tatum’s enjoying time isn’t indicative of his degree of expertise.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
“It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson. It’s what I’ve seen from the opposite guys,” Kerr stated. “Like I’ve stated many instances throughout this match and this final six weeks, it’s simply arduous to play 11 individuals, even in an NBA sport.”
Tatum, who received a championship with the Celtics in June, was benched when Workforce USA cruised previous Serbia within the Olympic opener, 110-84 on July 28.
Afterward, Kerr stated he “felt like an fool not enjoying” Tatum and acknowledged his All-NBA resume.
He additionally instructed ESPN he knowledgeable Tatum previous to the sport how the rotation might play out.
“I went with the mixtures that I felt like would make sense,” Kerr stated after Workforce USA’s Olympic opener. “I talked to him and he’s extremely skilled. And that’s tonight. It doesn’t imply it’s going to remain that method the remainder of the match. He’ll make his mark.
“Our guys know this: The important thing to this entire factor is to place all of the NBA stuff within the rear-view mirror and simply win six video games. Jayson’s the last word professional, a champion, he dealt with it effectively and he’ll be prepared for the subsequent one.”
Tatum has averaged 6.3 factors, six rebounds and three assists within the different three video games the U.S. has performed on the Paris Video games.
He received gold with Workforce USA within the Tokyo Video games and averaged 15.2 factors, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
The U.S. will face France at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for an opportunity to take house its fifth consecutive gold medal.
