We have an embarrassment of riches on this roster – Steve Kerr on USA’s potent bench strength

USA’s head coach Steve Kerr admitted there is no lack of bench strength in the team for the ongoing Paris Olympics. And it was all on display in their 103-86 win against South Sudan. With this win, Americans have qualified for the Basketball quarterfinals at the Games and their search for the fifth consecutive Olympic Gold continues.

South Sudan had recently troubled the USA but the latter had registered a thrilling 101-100 win against the former in an exhibition game in London. However, it was business as usual for the potent US team on Wednesday in France’s capital.

Bam Adebayo came off the bench with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting with seven rebounds as the leader among six players who scored in double figures. Jayson Tatum was also part of the starting five after missing out against Serbia.

“We have an embarrassment of riches on this roster, that’s the best way to put it,” Kerr said. “I mean these guys are all champions, All-Stars, Hall of Famers, however you want to put it. So the whole thing is are we committed to the goal? That’s it. That’s it.”

Meanwhile, Durant, White, Adebayo, Jrue Holiday and Anthony Edwards also performed consistently for the USA. 

“I just think Steve trusts us,” Adebayo said. “I feel like he looks at the benches, that spark, to come off the bench and really give us a boost, and we did that tonight.”

James, Davis and Booker combined to score 30 points. Kerr revealed Embiid and Holiday will play against Puerto Rico in the final group match.

“The NBA is so popular worldwide and the regular season is kind of a soap opera, and so we understand that and social media takes over and everything becomes so dramatic,” Kerr said. “And I think we need to give these guys more credit. They’re here to win a gold medal. They’re pros. They’re committed to each other.”