Shannon Sharpe issues fiery response to Jayson Tatum's DNP in nerve-racking SF against Serbia: "Damn your feelings"
Renowned broadcaster and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Shannon Sharpe dropped a strong-worded reaction to Jayson Tatum's DNP against Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics semifinal on Thursday. For the second time in the ongoing tournament, coach Steve Kerr chose not to play Tatum against Serbia.
Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton were the only Team USA players who received zero minutes as LeBron James and Co. registered a thrilling 95-91 come-from-behind victory at the Bercy Arena in Paris
Social media erupted with fans and pundits voicing their opinions on coach Kerr's decision to sit Tatum from a crunch knockout game.
Shannon voiced his agreement with coach Kerr's decision and highlighted that individual achievements mean nothing and pride holds no place in a team sport.
"At this juncture, damn your feelings," Shannon said on his Nightcap podcast (6:15 onwards).
"We are trying to win gold. I understand Rudy Gobert, you are what three-four times (4-time) NBA Defensive Players of the Year and you got this big contract. I understand.
"Jayson Tatum you signed the biggest contract in NBA history, you just won a championship, you are on the Cover of NBA 2K25, you are on the cover of Sports Illustrated...we trying to win now. You have got a long plane ride to get over your feelings. We are trying to win this gold and that's what it comes down to," he added.
Tatum also received a DNP during Team USA's opening game of the tournament, which was also against Nikola Jokic-led Serbia.
Shannon Sharpe justifies coach Steve Kerr's decision
Shannon Sharpe also explained why coach Steve Kerr elected to go with the lineup of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Joel Embiid when Team USA was in desperation mode.
"Steve Kerr went with the guys that have been in more big moments than anybody, especially the Big-3 (LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant," the 56-year-old continued.
"Book (Devin Booker) has played in the NBA Finals. Joel Embiid has never been there but you needed that presence," he added.
Tatum has been part of the starting lineup in two games so far in the tournament. The 26-year-old forward started the game against South Sudan and Puerto Rico in the group stage. Tatum came off the bench in the quarterfinal against Brazil.
The reigning NBA champion averages 6.9 points in 19.9 minutes in the ongoing competition. The five-time NBA All-Star is shooting 38.9% from the field and has missed all of his three attempts from the 3-point range.
Team USA will cross swords against hosts France in the gold medal game on Saturday. It would be interesting to see whether Tatum receives some game time in the final or if Coach Kerr continues to keep the Celtics superstar on the bench.