"Another L by Kerr" - NBA fans slam Team USA coach for phasing out Tyrese Haliburton during showcase games
Tyrese Haliburton was gradually phased out of Team USA coach Steve Kerr's rotation during the squad's five-game pre-Olympic showcase schedule. After the star point guard's latest benching, NBA fans blasted Kerr's approach ahead of this summer's Paris Olympics.
On Monday, Team USA secured a 92-88 victory over Germany to cap off its exhibition schedule with a 5-0 record. Nevertheless, the Americans faced plenty of adversity, with three of their five wins coming by six or fewer points. That includes escaping with a one-point victory (101-100) over South Sudan on Saturday despite being 43.5-point favorites.
Amid Team USA's rocky pre-Olympic performance, Haliburton saw his playing time steadily decrease in all five contests. After playing 20 minutes against Canada, his playing time dropped to 18 minutes against Australia and 15 minutes against Serbia.
The two-time NBA All-Star's playing time later cratered to only seven minutes against South Sudan before he received a DNP against Germany.
Tyrese Haliburton's benching comes two months after he led the Indiana Pacers on a surprise Eastern Conference finals run. Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, he further established himself as one of the league's top playmakers and outside shooters, earning All-NBA third-team honors.
Thus, fans on X/Twitter didn't appreciate Haliburton not playing on Monday. Many questioned Kerr's coaching strategy with the Americans looking increasingly vulnerable.
"Another L by Kerr," @Challllss said.
"And he was actually great for this team’s second unit. Kerr is not good at this," @javonedmonds45 said.
"Kerr is running an iso-ball offense. Elite athletes standing on the perimeter. It will likely cost us the gold," @indysixsix said.
"Steve Kerr is not a great basketball coach," @kevnivek_ said.
"Wild, while the ball struggles to move when LeBron [James] is off the floor. Crazy," @tylerjconrad said.
Tyrese Haliburton removed from Team USA rotation despite 2023 FIBA World Cup experience under Steve Kerr
Tyrese Haliburton getting removed from Team USA's rotation comes after he played a key role under Steve Kerr during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Over eight games, Haliburton averaged 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks and 2.1 3-pointers per game, shooting 51.1% and 47.2% from deep.
He was one of the lone NBA All-Stars who competed for the Americans. While they ultimately disappointed, finishing fourth, Haliburton gained invaluable international experience. Moreover, he seemingly entered Team USA's pre-Olympic showcase schedule highly motivated for redemption.
"Last year, we spent like a month, 40 days together [as a team] and left with nothing," Tyrese Haliburton said. "I left with great experiences, good friends, good relationships, but we’re all there at the end of the day to win a medal."
Meanwhile, ahead of the Olympics, Kerr highlighted how Haliburton's skill set as a traditional point guard stood to benefit Team USA.
"In Tyrese’s case, a pure point guard," Kerr said. "I would say most of our other guys are kind of combos. Steph [Curry], Jrue [Holiday], LeBron [James] is kind of a point forward. Tyrese is really a floor general, your traditional point guard."
Time will tell if Kerr keeps Haliburton out of his rotation during the start of Olympic group play on Sunday against Serbia. If so, and Team USA falls short of expectations, fan scrutiny surrounding the veteran coach will likely continue to escalate.
In Photos: Tyrese Haliburton's girlfriend Jade Jones treats herself to a shopping spree during London getaway