Commentary
The U.S. men’s basketball team is causing a stir at the Paris Olympics.
It seems like Coach Steve Kerr and his team felt overshadowed by the attention the women’s team received for not selecting Caitlin Clark, prompting the men’s team to grab headlines in the sports world.
A subpar performance in a warmup game against South Sudan raised concerns. While the U.S. narrowly won 101-100, many considered it a loss in terms of quality of play.
Then came the controversial decision to bench Jayson Tatum in the opening victory over Serbia, a strong contender in the tournament.
Kerr faced backlash for leaving Tatum on the bench, especially considering his key role in the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.
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After the game, Kerr admitted his mistake in not playing Tatum but emphasized that he had informed him of the possibility beforehand. Tyrese Haliburton also didn’t see any game time.
In the following match, Kerr decided to rest Joel Embiid, who has been struggling with injuries, in a blowout win against South Sudan. Embiid’s lack of form has been a target for critics, but his physical condition has been a concern.
The game against Puerto Rico saw no major drama, with the U.S. securing the top seed in Group C. However, the constant lineup changes have raised questions about the team’s future performance.
Kerr stated that the focus now is on improving their play and aiming for the gold medal.
“It’s part of the tournament. It gets tougher as you progress. Our goal is to improve in each game. We’ll have Sunday off, and then it’s a one-week sprint with three games. We’ll see how we perform.”
LeBron James, the team’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, has been the standout performer. Kerr’s decision to rely on the 39-year-old has been praised, highlighting James’ consistency and leadership.
Kerr, who played alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan, admires James’ dedication to the game.
“It’s incredible. One of the highlights of this trip for me has been witnessing LeBron’s preparation and focus behind the scenes, understanding why he’s achieved so much,” Kerr said after the game on August 3.
“Watching him is amazing. He has a deep love for the game, his work ethic, his teammates. There’s a contagious energy and joy that LeBron brings to the team. He’s not just an exceptional player; it’s the complete package. He’s truly brilliant.”
The journey so far has been challenging, as expected with such a talented team. The abundance of talent means tough decisions for Kerr, but the ultimate goal remains clear—bring home the gold with no excuses and no errors.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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