Steve Kerr informed reporters during practice on Friday that Jrue Holiday’s availability for the United States men’s basketball team’s final group play game at the 2024 Paris Olympics is uncertain. Initially expected to start against Puerto Rico, Holiday is now questionable due to an ankle injury sustained during the team’s victory over South Sudan. The game against Puerto Rico is set to commence at 11:15 a.m. ET on Saturday.
Kerr explained that Holiday rolled his ankle in the third quarter of the South Sudan match but continued playing despite the discomfort. As a result, Kerr made adjustments to the lineup for that game, including benching Holiday and Joel Embiid. However, the plan for the Puerto Rico game was to revert to the starting five used in the opener against Serbia, which included Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Embiid alongside Holiday.
Fortunately, Kerr and his coaching staff have multiple options at their disposal to compensate for Holiday’s potential absence. Derrick White could step into the starting lineup to bolster perimeter defense, with the possibility of Tyrese Haliburton assuming the backup point guard role. Alternatively, Jayson Tatum could be retained as a starter after a controversial benching in the first game against Serbia.
Kevin Durant is another candidate for a starting role, despite initially being slated for a reserve position due to a hamstring injury. Durant, who missed the team’s previous games, expressed his willingness to contribute in any capacity necessary for the team’s success.
With a current record of 2-0 in Group C and the best point differential in the tournament, Team USA aims to secure the top seed for the knockout round by defeating Puerto Rico. Kerr emphasized the importance of claiming the number one seed to ensure a favorable matchup in the quarterfinals.
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