The limited playing time of Jayson Tatum during the recent Paris Olympics has drawn the attention of the people. Some have questioned the strategies of Team USA’s head coach, Steve Kerr, on his decision to let Tatum not play on some occasions. However, Kevon Looney, who was under Kerr for nine years at the Warriors, defends his coach’s judgment.
Steve Kerr successfully gave Team USA its fifth consecutive gold medal. His players ranged from rising NBA players to league veterans. One of the former was the Boston Celtics’ star and recent champion, Tatum.
Unfortunately for the five-time NBA All-Star, he had never fully immersed himself in the Olympiad, only playing four games out of six. He only provided small stats for the USA’s representatives in those small chances.
Because of Tatum’s subpar performance, people had questioned Kerr’s decision not to make full use of the soaring Celtic. However, Looney, who had acquired three NBA championships under the Warriors’ head coach, said otherwise. He believes the judgment on Tatum is justifiable.
In an interview with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Kevon Looney defended Kerr’s coaching decisions and styles. He trusts his head coach’s discernment that his strategies would give Team USA their victories.
“I know that they went out there to sacrifice and give minutes for our country, and not seeing him get minutes sometimes is always gonna be tough, especially dividing the talent, and then who’s deserving to play. But Steve’s all about winning. He’s going to do all the necessary things to win, and he did win,” Looney said.
The Warriors’ center said people should respect how Kerr works his way due to his long-time experience in the sport, from being a ball player to a head coach and gaining NBA championships in both roles.
Jayson Tatum’s performance during the Paris Olympics
Over four games at the Olympics, Jayson Tatum averaged lower stats than his’ usual back at the NBA for the Celtics.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist averaged a poor 5.3 points, scoring only eight out of 21 in all his games. He had never scored one of his four attempts from downtown. He also has a median of 5.3 in rebounds.
Tatum’s best match, based on his stats, was in the game against Puerto Rico. The Celtics’ forward scored ten points and rebounds each.
These statistics were low for Tatum due to his lack of time on the court, his insufficient performance, and his teammates doing most of the work.
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