Team USA's Big Decision: Goodbye, Wembanyama! The MVP Race is Heating Up

In the wake of the Olympic semifinals, where Team USA narrowly avoided an upset, a storm of controversy has erupted over head coach Steve Kerr’s decisions, particularly regarding Jayson Tatum. The Boston Celtics star found himself benched for the entirety of the crucial semifinal matchup against Serbia, marking the second time he was given a DNP (Did Not Play) designation in this Olympic tournament. Both times, coincidentally, came against Serbia, widely recognized as Team USA’s most formidable opponent.

The controversy gained traction when an ESPN analyst tweeted, “Is Tatum injured? He didn’t get a single minute on the court.” This tweet was quickly retweeted by Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, who responded, “No, he’s not injured. Not getting a minute is unacceptable and makes no sense.” The reaction was swift and intense, with many fans and analysts alike questioning why one of the NBA’s brightest stars was not utilized in such a high-stakes game.

The fact that Tatum was benched in the semifinals without explanation is particularly perplexing. In the group stage, Kerr had at least offered an explanation, citing team chemistry and rotations as the reasons for Tatum’s absence. This time, however, Kerr was tight-lipped, leaving the public to speculate. The decision to bench Tatum, especially in a game as critical as the semifinal, has only fueled the growing criticism of Kerr’s coaching choices.

In a surprising turn of events, Kerr announced a major decision ahead of the gold medal game against France, led by the towering Victor Wembanyama. Kevin Durant, who had been coming off the bench throughout the tournament, would now be inserted into the starting lineup. This move was seen as a clear signal that Kerr had learned from the near-disaster against Serbia and was determined to avoid a repeat performance by starting strong against France. Both France and Serbia rely heavily on their dominant big men, and Kerr’s decision to start Durant was aimed at countering France’s height and interior presence.

The decision to start Durant also raised questions about Tatum’s role in the final. With Durant in the starting lineup, would Tatum finally see significant playing time as his backup? Or would he once again find himself sidelined in the most important game of the tournament? If Kerr chooses to bench Tatum again in the final, the backlash is likely to be even more intense, with many questioning the logic of sidelining one of the NBA’s top players in favor of a rotation that has already been criticized for its inconsistency.

Tatum’s Olympic experience has been a stark contrast to the expectations that many had for him heading into the tournament. Fresh off an NBA championship, Tatum was widely seen as the future of Team USA, poised to take the mantle from the likes of Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry. Instead, he has found himself marginalized, a situation that has left fans and analysts alike baffled.

The idea that Tatum, with all his accomplishments and talent, has become a secondary figure on this Team USA roster is hard to fathom. Many had expected him to be a key player, especially given the retirement of several veteran stars after these Olympics. But instead of leading the team, Tatum has been relegated to a role that many feel does not reflect his abilities or his stature in the basketball world.

There is also the question of what this experience will mean for Tatum going forward. If he is once again benched in the final, it could have lasting implications for his relationship with Team USA and his future participation in international competitions. Some have speculated that Tatum might look to focus solely on his NBA career if he continues to be overlooked on the national team stage.

Meanwhile, as Tatum grapples with his reduced role, his Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown is facing his own set of challenges. Brown, who recently helped the Celtics win an NBA championship and earned Finals MVP honors, has been watching Team USA’s games from a distance. Unlike Tatum, Brown did not make the Olympic roster, a snub that many found surprising given his recent success. Instead, Brown has been watching the games from the comfort of his home, joking that he might need to purchase a VIP subscription just to keep up with the action.

But despite the disappointment of missing out on the Olympics, Brown has already received an invitation to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics from Team USA GM Grant Hill. Hill made it clear that Brown would be a candidate for the team, though he stopped short of guaranteeing him a spot. This cautious approach reflects the depth of talent in American basketball and the intense competition for places on the national team.

For both Tatum and Brown, this summer has been a mixed bag of highs and lows. On one hand, they’ve achieved the pinnacle of success in the NBA, winning a championship and earning individual accolades. On the other hand, their experiences with Team USA have been far less fulfilling, with Tatum struggling to find his place on the team and Brown left out of the squad altogether.

As the Olympics draw to a close, the focus will inevitably shift to the gold medal game, where Team USA will face off against France in what promises to be a thrilling contest. All eyes will be on Durant, who now has the opportunity to secure the MVP award with a standout performance in the final. But as Durant takes center stage, the question remains: where does Tatum fit into this picture? If he is given the chance to play, he could still make a significant impact. But if he is once again benched, the fallout will be significant, not just for Tatum but for Kerr and the entire Team USA coaching staff.

In the end, this Olympic experience could serve as a turning point for Tatum. Whether it leads to a renewed focus on his NBA career or a determination to prove himself on the international stage, one thing is clear: Tatum will not let this experience define him. And as for Team USA, the decisions made in these final days of the tournament will be remembered long after the medals have been awarded. Whether those decisions prove to be the right ones, only time will tell.