Jayson Tatum’s mom, Brandy Cole, didn’t seem to be in a celebratory mood after Team USA’s 95-91 semifinal win against Serbia at the Paris Olympics on Sunday
Instead, Cole took to X demanding answers as to why Team USA coach Steve Kerr benched her son for the second time during the Summer Games.
Cole aired her frustration in a reply to ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale, who was also curious about Tatum’s lack of playing time in Paris — and cited his All-NBA resume (he was a first team All-NBA selection three consecutive years).
“Someone pls let me know is @jaytatum0 injured as he hasn’t received the PT ( playing time ) u would expect an All NBA player to get,” Vitale wrote.
“No he not,” Cole replied. “But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”
Cole also reposted a message on X, “If Kerr is watching this and willingly deciding ‘Yeah, Jayson Tatum couldn’t help here’ then he legitimately cannot coach in 2028,” by Barstool Sports’ Dan Greenberg.
Team USA head coach Steve Kerr said “it’s just a math problem” trying to decide who’s going to play.
“It’s not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing,” Kerr said. “It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin [Durant] has filled in since he came back from his injury. It’s just a math problem more than anything.”
Kerr explained that Tatum’s playing time isn’t indicative of his level of talent.
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“It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson. It’s what I’ve seen from the other guys,” Kerr said. “Like I’ve said many times during this tournament and this last six weeks, it’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game.”
Tatum, who won a championship with the Celtics in June, was benched when Team USA cruised past Serbia in the Olympic opener, 110-84 on July 28.
Afterward, Kerr said he “felt like an idiot not playing” Tatum and acknowledged his All-NBA resume.
He also told ESPN he informed Tatum prior to the game how the rotation may play out.
“I went with the combinations that I felt like would make sense,” Kerr said after Team USA’s Olympic opener. “I talked to him and he’s incredibly professional. And that’s tonight. It doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way the rest of the tournament. He’ll make his mark.
“Our guys know this: The key to this whole thing is to put all the NBA stuff in the rear-view mirror and just win six games. Jayson’s the ultimate pro, a champion, he handled it well and he’ll be ready for the next one.”
Tatum has averaged 6.3 points, six rebounds and three assists in the other three games the U.S. has played at the Paris Games.
He won gold with Team USA in the Tokyo Games and averaged 15.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
The U.S. will face France at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for a chance to take home its fifth consecutive gold medal.
