Jayson Tatum Has Reason to Be Upset with Steve Kerr—But Is It Justified?

As the NBA season kicks off, Jayson Tatum appears to be making a statement. Fresh off a summer that included both an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal, one might wonder what’s fueling his drive.

According to Tatum—and outspoken commentator Stephen A. Smith—his motivation stems partly from being sidelined during the Olympics by head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr’s decision to limit Tatum’s playtime sparked criticism, particularly from Smith, but if we take a closer look at Tatum’s Olympic performance, Kerr’s rationale may seem clearer.

Smith has been vocal about his disappointment over Kerr’s decision since the summer. He argues that while Kerr allowed Stephen Curry to play through shooting struggles during the Olympic run, he didn’t give Tatum the same leeway.

Yet, this argument might lack nuance. Curry, after all, is not only the NBA’s all-time leader in three-point shooting but also a unique offensive threat—even during an off night, his presence on the court forces defenses to react. This defensive pressure, regardless of shooting accuracy, is invaluable.

Reflecting on Tatum’s Olympic minutes, his performance wasn’t stellar. While he undoubtedly looked to find his rhythm, turnovers and missed shots plagued his court time. Kerr likely assessed that such inconsistency risked disrupting Team USA’s pace.

Betting on Curry’s potential to snap out of his shooting slump made sense strategically, given Curry’s ability to draw defensive focus. And, ultimately, Kerr’s judgment paid off as Team USA clinched the gold.

At the end of the day, the results speak for themselves. Team USA won gold, and while Tatum may feel slighted by the limited minutes, it’s hard to argue against a winning formula.

While frustration and motivation can fuel players heading into a new season, the critique against Kerr seems misplaced. We often forget that at high-stakes moments, difficult decisions are crucial, and Kerr’s choice was strategic, not personal.

This storyline will likely peak when the Warriors face off against the Celtics on November 6, giving Tatum a chance to channel his competitive edge. Until then, let’s recall that Tatum’s performance on the international stage is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a season full of promise.