Jayson Tatum Benching Explained by USA HC Steve Kerr After Comeback Win vs. Serbia

Steve Kerr has addressed Jayson Tatum's playing time once again.

The Team USA coach did not utilize the forward in the team's 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semi-final round. It was the second time that Tatum did not see the court in the Olympics, and Kerr said that the issue is a "math problem" and not reflective of Tatum's ability.

"It's not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing," Kerr said, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. "It's just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has filled in since he came back from his injury. It's just a math problem more than anything."

The saga with Tatum's playing time began in the opening game of the Olympic tournament when Tatum did not touch the court in a 110-84 victory over Serbia. He and Tyrese Haliburton were the only players who did not play in that game, and the same occurred during the second matchup between the teams.

Tatum has averaged 6.3 points, six rebounds and three assists in the other three games the U.S. has played. While these numbers aren't revolutionary, Tatum's play with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24 makes the exclusion puzzling.

He averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 74 games for the Celtics and helped lead the team to the 2024 NBA Championship. It was his first title and he was rewarded with a major contract extension following the season.

In addition to his NBA excellence, he has found success on the international stage as well. He was on the 2020 Olympic squad that took gold in Tokyo and averaged 15.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists on that run.

While Tatum did not get the chance to showcase his talents against Serbia in the 2024 Olympics, he now hopes to make an impact in the gold medal game. The U.S. is set to face France at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for a chance to earn a fifth consecutive gold medal.