Steve Kerr drops unfiltered response to Draymond Green's criticism on Team USA's lineups and rotations: "You do what you have to"
Team USA coach Steve Kerr candidly responded to Draymond Green's criticism after the team's 122-87 2024 Paris Olympics quarterfinal victory over Brazil on Tuesday.
Green, who plays under Kerr for the Golden State Warriors, hit out at his coach for handing Jayson Tatum a DNP in Team USA's first group game against Serbia on Jul. 28.
"You don't not play Jayson Tatum," Green had said on ‘The Draymond Green Show’.
"JT come out and not play. I couldn’t believe that. And not playing him, it was wrong," he further opined.
Green was also unhappy with coach Kerr-led Team USA's coaching staff making constant changes in the lineups and rotations.
Coach Kerr was initially unaware of Green's criticism. The 58-year-old justified his decision by highlighting the most important aspect.
"It’s okay. Being in this position, you do what you have to do to win," coach Kerr told Rachel Nichols.
"Who you play every game is a little different based on your opponents. We’ve been practicing every single day with this group for a month. We know how to put our best foot forward," he added.
Kerr also affirmed that he and his coaching staff will continue to operate in the same manner as Team USA stands two wins away from another Olympic gold medal.
"All 12 of these guys are worthy of playing, you know, the entire game, but it’s just not how it works. So we’re gonna keep doing what we’re doing, and you know, hopefully keep winning," said Kerr.
After receiving a DNP against Serbia, Tatum was part of the starting lineup for the next two group games. The superstar forward was moved to the bench for the knockout game, though.
Team USA's Jayson Tatum's performance vs Brazil
All 12 players received game time during Team USA's commanding win over Brazil. Jayson Tatum was the 11th player to come off the bench, with Tyrese Haliburton being the last.
The Boston Celtics superstar clocked 19:50 minutes during the blowout victory. Tatum scored five points on 1-of-5 shooting and also recorded three rebounds, one assist, one steal and a block.
Meanwhile, six USA players scored in double digits in the quarterfinal. Devin Booker led with 18 points. LeBron James had another spectacular all-round game, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. The four-time NBA MVP grabbed three rebounds, dished out nine assists and recorded three steals.
Team USA squares off against Nikola Jokic-led Serbia in the semi-final on Thursday.