On Sunday afternoon, Jayson Tatum found himself on the bench as Team USA dominated Serbia, without ever removing his warm-ups. Despite not being injured or sick, for perhaps the first time in his career, Tatum simply fell out of the rotation. This led to a national uproar, with media and fans alike criticizing Steve Kerr’s decision to bench the five-time All-Star completely.
Prominent voices like Stephen A. Smith were particularly vocal, questioning how the reigning NBA champion Jayson Tatum couldn’t find a single minute in a 26-point victory. Similarly, ESPN analyst Tim Legler criticized the coaching decision, especially highlighting the fact that Derrick White, who just joined the team and was considered the fifth-best player on his own NBA team, played 15 minutes while Tatum didn’t get any playtime.
However, Tatum’s absence wasn’t due to White’s presence. Team USA has remarkable depth at the forward position, with both LeBron James and Kevin Durant delivering exceptional performances against Serbia, combining for 45 points on 17-21 shooting. Kerr’s preference for three-guard lineups also influenced the decision, with a lineup heavily featuring Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Steph Curry, and Jrue Holiday. Whether these explanations satisfy the critics or not, the focus shouldn’t solely be on Tatum’s lack of minutes.
In his 16 minutes off the bench, Derrick White played tenacious defense, securing two steals and a block, with Team USA outscoring Serbia by 15 points when he was on the court. His performance and solidified spot in the rotation, however, became an afterthought amidst the uproar over Tatum’s DNP. In a previous exhibition game against South Sudan, White changed the game’s momentum, dishing out five assists in 11 second-half minutes and securing a game-saving stop on the final possession.
This is not the first time White’s contributions have been overshadowed to highlight his Celtics teammates. When Kawhi Leonard was a late scratch from the Olympics team, White’s selection wasn’t celebrated sufficiently in the Celtics world, as the focus was on Jaylen Brown’s omission. While some of this was due to Brown’s own actions, the broader conversation failed to recognize the two-way value that Derrick White brings to the team.
Despite the outside noise, Derrick White remains unfazed, staying true to himself. His father, Richard White, confirmed that Derrick focuses on controlling what he can control, ignoring the constant chatter and buzz. Yet, something special is happening with one of Boston’s most beloved players, and it’s not getting the recognition it deserves. A player who couldn’t even get a Division I offer out of high school has now solidified himself as one of the most valuable guards on a U.S. Olympic basketball team aiming for gold.
It’s not just Derrick White who deserves recognition. Jrue Holiday was the team’s second-leading scorer with 15 points and led the stifling defense with his full-court pressure. The elite play of the championship backcourt has been overlooked, but it’s something Celtics fans should celebrate. White and Holiday’s performances were instrumental in securing Banner 18 and could prove equally critical in the pursuit of an Olympic gold medal.
The nature of the news cycle often focuses on the negative, highlighting controversy, pointing fingers, and debating who has been disrespected. Controversy sells, and Steve Kerr inadvertently created a massive one with his decision to bench Tatum. While the storyline of Tatum’s benching is intriguing and unusual for a player of his caliber, if it remains the only focus, we’ve missed an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of two of the most well-rounded guards in basketball. Holiday and White have both been exceptional so far, standing out among a talented pool of American guards, including Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell. The Celtics’ championship backcourt has anchored Team USA early on in the Olympics.
As Olympic play continues, new storylines will emerge. Jayson Tatum might get 20 minutes of action against South Sudan, or perhaps the DNPs will continue. Regardless of what happens with Tatum, it’s crucial for Celtics followers to recognize and appreciate the remarkable fact that the same two role players who helped secure the NBA championship are now showcasing their talents at the Olympics, proving they are among the best role players in the world.
