Team USA's head coach Steve Kerr faced significant backlash for benching Jayson Tatum during their 110-84 victory over Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics opener. Critics, including Charles Barkley and Stephen A. Smith, called the decision disrespectful, arguing that Tatum, the reigning NBA champion, deserved playing time. Kerr admitted he regretted the decision and promised Tatum would play in the next game. The controversy sparked debates about player rotation and the challenges of managing a team full of NBA stars. Despite the criticism, Kerr explained that the decision was based on matchups and the need to give Kevin Durant playing time after his recovery from injury.