“Disrespect” is f*cking ridiculous": UWGB HC Doug Gottlieb sounds off on Jayson Tatum's benching in Team USA's Olympic opener

Doug Gottlieb commented about Jayson Tatum's benching and had a reservation about LeBron James' heavy touches on the ball in the USA's 2024 Paris Olympics opener against Serbia.

However, when Kendrick Perkins echoed fans' sentiments on Jayson Tatum's DNP for the Olympic opener, the Green Bay coach highlighted the sacrifices and mutual goal that comes with being associated with the national team.

Perkins argued that Jayson Tatum's versatility makes him an all-around player, capable of holding his own through point to center. Not only did he question coach Steve Kerr's decision but also shed light on Tatum being the second-best player, behind Kevin Durant, on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics squad.

"This is exactly the problem w/hoops. They won the game, by 20. … Don’t sign up for team USA if you have any agenda outside of winning. “Disrespect” is f**king ridiculous- who you gonna sit? Sounds like an AAU dad. …," Doug Gottlieb quipped in his response to Perkins.

Team USA ended the first quarter with a five-point lead against Serbia on Sunday (July 28) and extended it to nine at halftime before closing with successive 26-point quarters. Moreover, unlike in their pre-Olympics exhibitions with Germany and South Sudan in London, the Serbians were never in contention to win.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton didn't suit up against Nikola Jokic and Co.. However, Tatum's status as the leader of the Boston Celtics, who dominated the league last season to win the NBA championship, is a huge cause behind the ripples.

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Steve Kerr confirms Jayson Tatum's appearance for the next Team USA game

While Steve Kerr has the right to make rotational decisions, fans can revel, as the coach confirmed Tatum's playtime in the July 31 game against South Sudan. Nevertheless, Kerr didn't share who will sit out in place of Tatum, or if that's the road he plans to take.

In the July 20 game trailer with South Sudan, Jayson Tatum came off the bench to log in 16 minutes of court time, almost like sstarters Jrue Holiday and Joel Embiid who saw 18 minutes of action.

While he just shot 37.5% from the field, he got to the line thrice, posting nine points, one rebound, one steal and one block. Given South Sudan's new-found reputation as a basketball unit and Tatum's offensive arsenal, there's a possibility that Kerr might shift him to the starting role for the game.