Charles Barkley Criticizes Team USA After Controversial Jayson Tatum Decision

Jayson Tatum faced a challenging situation during the Olympics. While most of Team USA participated in their victory over Serbia, Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton remained on the bench throughout the game. Even during garbage time, coach Steve Kerr did not substitute in the two All-Stars.

This decision sparked confusion and debate. Why did Kerr not give Tatum, a star for the Boston Celtics, any playing time? The choice seems puzzling given the context.

Charles Barkley, among others, voiced his frustration with Kerr's decision. In an interview on SiriusXM Radio, the former Olympian criticized the move, stating, “He’s got to play… Everyone on the team needs to get some time. You don’t have to play 25 or 30 minutes, but it’s the Olympics.”

"Everybody on the team has to play"

 Charles Barkley weighs in on the decision by Steve Kerr not to play Jayson Tatum against Serbia@TermineRadio | @Jumpshot8 pic.twitter.com/RQDvdbjGks

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 30, 2024

Barkley argued that Tatum's presence on the court would not have significantly weakened the team, even in a tight game. “It’s not like Jayson Tatum is a huge downgrade from Durant... Come on, man, everyone should get at least ten minutes,” Barkley said.

Tatum didn’t see any action in the first half of the game against Serbia, which led to speculation that Team USA was sticking with Durant’s strong performance. However, Tatum remained on the bench throughout the second half, despite Durant’s scoring slump.

Tatum will have another opportunity to showcase his skills in a few days against South Sudan. He previously played 16 minutes in a tune-up against them, scoring nine points off the bench.