Bob Cousy slams Kerr for benching TatumJayson Tatum and Steve Kerr (Image Credit: Getty Images)

During Team USA’s Paris Olympics opener against Serbia, head coach Steve Kerr sparked controversy by benching NBA star Jayson Tatum. The decision drew criticism, especially after Kerr later admitted it was a dumb decision. However, the controversy deepened when Kerr made the same choice in the semifinal game against Serbia, again sidelining Tatum.

Former Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy couldn’t hold back his frustration over Kerr’s handling of Tatum. He expressed his anger, pointing out Tatum’s status as one of the top players in the world, and questioned Kerr’s judgment.

“Tatum is on the cover of Sports Illustrated this month. Any experts that I’ve read lately have chosen him in the top five, and sometimes No. 1 in the [expletive] world. Now Kerr is telling the world that he doesn’t agree. In a 40-minute game, if you can’t find five minutes to play somebody on the team without hurting yourself,” he said.

“And then to not let Tatum get off the bench—to me. There’s got to be some kind of bias that he’s got against the Celtics,” Cousy added.

Cousy went further, suggesting that Kerr might be biased against the Celtics, given his decision to bench Tatum in critical moments.

Jeff Teague Sees Kerr’s Decision as Fuel for Jayson Tatum’s Celtics Mission

While many have criticized Steve Kerr’s decision to bench Jayson Tatum during Team USA’s games in the Paris Olympics, former Celtics star Jeff Teague sees a silver lining for Boston fans. On the “Club 520 Podcast,” Teague shared his unique perspective, suggesting that this controversial decision could benefit the Celtics in the upcoming NBA season.

“If you’re a Boston Celtics fan, you should be thanking USA Basketball. Because now y’all got another championship on the way,” Teague said. 

“I’m First Team All-NBA, bro, and I’m sitting the bench. I just won a chip, First Team All-NBA, I’m having the best year of my life. Then I go to the Olympics, bro, and y’all telling me I’m the weakest one on the team. He’s gonna be on a mission, bro. Y’all know I got the inside scoop; he’s gonna be on a mission,” Teague continued.

Kerr recently explained his decision to bench Tatum, citing a “math problem.” This explanation hasn’t satisfied many fans, who hope that the “math” will swing in Tatum’s favor for the upcoming gold medal against France.