Steve Kerr sets expectation for Celtics fan reaction to Jayson Tatum benching

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum endured a ton of national narratives this summer while playing for Team USA during the 2024 Olympics. Head coach Steve Kerr left him out of the rotation entirely for two games, and in the other four games that they played, he barely got any floor time. As a result, his name was incessantly thrown around by the media for weeks.

There were two sides to the argument. One side wholeheartedly believed that Tatum should have gotten playing time because of his status in the league. The other acknowledged his less-than-ideal fit next to the rest of the roster. As for Celtics fans, they set their sights on Kerr.

And he’s ready for any of the fallout that comes from his decision.

Steve Kerr discusses potential Celtics fan reaction in Boston after benching Jayson Tatum on Team USA in 2024 Olympics

During a recent chat with Steve Aschburner of NBA.com, Kerr said he’s preparing for Celtics fans to let him hear it when he comes to TD Garden this year. He laughed at the notion and accepted it.

“I think they’re going to be all over me,” Kerr said. “That’s fine.”

Kerr also spoke about benching Tatum and Tyrese Halibuton, who also sat out for much of the Olympic run.

“Those guys were all great,” Kerr said. “Jayson handled things so well. Then obviously it became a media subject, but he couldn’t have handled it better. Tyrese, same thing. Every game was different. And we talked about that from the first night – 12 superstars and probably only nine can play consistent minutes. They handled themselves really professionally and pulled for each other. I couldn’t be prouder of them all.”

There were few groups of people more upset about Tatum getting benched than Celtics fans. From former players like Bob Cousy to the everyday fans on Twitter, everybody was up in arms.

At that point in time, Tatum was fresh off of helping the Celtics capture Banner 18. He was also just placed on the covers of NBA 2K25 and Sports Illlustrated. He’s one of the biggest stars in the NBA, yet he barely got to play.

Obviously, Tatum handled the benching well. As Kerr mentioned, he was a complete professional throughout the process, and if anything, it will only help him stay motivated as he heads into next season.

But his mindset won’t change fans’ thoughts on Kerr. They blame him for benching Tatum, and they are undoubtedly going to let him hear it when the Golden State Warriors come to Boston.