Steve Kerr diplomatically reminds Celtics fans about America's Olympic success amid Jayson Tatum benching outrage
Boston Celtics fans were furious with Steve Kerr for benching Jayson Tatum twice in the Olympics. Many, even non-Celtics supporters, expressed outrage at Kerr’s decision not to play an All-NBA forward in two games against Serbia. On Wednesday, Kerr faced the fans who lambasted him on social media for the Tatum controversy.
Before the game, Kerr inevitably had to answer questions regarding the Olympics. He had this to say when asked to address the Tatum issue:
“From the beginning in Vegas, the whole thing was, ‘Hey, we’re in this together.’ We got 12 Hall of Famers. We’re just committed to winning and we won the gold medal. I don’t give it a whole lot of thought other than I didn’t enjoy not playing Jayson (Tatum) against Serbia and not playing Joel (Embiid) against South Sudan.
“Those are not fun decisions but our guys were all amazing, committed to each other, committed to winning the gold medal and they brought the gold home for their country. They all handled themselves with incredible dignity and class. That’s the real story.”
Steve Kerr might not have thought that benching Tatum was a story but the Celtics fans vehemently disagree. Draymond Green used to be the crowd’s Public Enemy No. 1 in TD Garden, a title the coach might have wrested away from Green. The arena shook with boos when Kerr’s name was mentioned by the venue announcer to announce the Warriors’ lineup.
Steve Kerr said Celtics fans would give him “bouquets of roses”
Steve Kerr knew he would be perhaps the most unpopular man inside TD Garden on Wednesday. The Golden State Warriors tactician had this to say on the “Tolbert & Copes Podcast” about coaching the Dubs in Boston:
"I'm excited. I think the fans are really going to cheer for me. Because you know what I did this past summer? I played Jrue Holiday and Derrick White a ton, and given that both guys are Celtics and the fact that Tatum also played a huge role in the proceedings -- all three guys, major factors, and we won the gold medal.
"This is America. It's the day after Election Day. I think Celtics fans are going to welcome me with open arms, and maybe even like bouquets of roses. ... Heartfelt."
The sarcasm-laden answer was spot on as Boston Celtics fans loudly booed him to start the game.