Team USA Insider bats for Steve Kerr amid lineup headache after Joel Embiid becomes latest star to get benched
Through Team USA's first two games of the 2024 Olympics, Steve Kerr and his lineup choices have been a major storyline. While some have criticized him for his decisions, one insider praised the work he's done thus far.
With so many star-level players on the roster, Kerr has had to make some tough decisions in regard to his rotations. In Team USA's first game against Serbia, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton didn't see the floor at all. Then on Wednesday against South Sudan, it was Joel Embiid who received a DNP.
While on ESPN's "Get Up," Brian Windhorst reflected on Kerr's lineup moves to open the Olympics. He had nothing but praise for the Golden State Warriors head coach.
"Right now, Steve Kerr is dropping aces," Windhorst said. "All of his game plans have been working. His lineup changes have worked.
"Kerr is on a hot streak right now. If you're criticizing him, you're in a bad spot."
Despite his constant changing of lineups, Team USA has been off to a dominant start in the Olympics. They're currently 2-0 in the Group Phase round, and both of their wins have come in blowout fashion.
The United States will be back in action on Saturday morning to take on Puerto Rico in their third Group Phase game.
Steve Kerr opens up on star players getting DNPs in 2024 Olympics
Competing on a team like this can be tough for the players and coaches. Steve Kerr understands that these players are all "the guy" on their NBA teams. However, he has to put the best units possible together for this team to succeed at the highest level.
After the United States' victory over South Sudan, the Warriors coach was asked about stars like Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid getting DNPs. He said everyone has acted professionally and that winning a gold medal should be their primary focus.
"They’re pros & committed to each other," Kerr said. "I don’t read social media. I would hope our guys aren’t paying too much attention to that. That’s a regular season thing where the soap opera can carry the ratings. Here, it’s just win a damn gold."
Looking at how he's coached the first two games, it's clear Steve Kerr's lineups are going to be matchup-based. Team USA faced off against an extremely athletic team Wednesday, which led to him going with more wings instead of a big like Embiid.
As the tournament rages on, more adjustments will be made in regards to rotations. Kerr already made it clear that Embiid is going to be back in the starting lineup next game against Puerto Rico.