Kerr: Celtics fans are 'going to be all over me' after benching Tatum

Golden State Warriors and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr knows he isn't the most popular guy in Boston heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.

Kerr told NBA.com's Steve Aschburner that he expects to receive a hostile reception from Celtics fans following his decision to limit Jayson Tatum's playing time at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"I think they're going to be all over me," Kerr laughed. "That's fine."

Kerr benched Tatum for two games during Team USA's gold medal-winning run, including the opener against Serbia. The 26-year-old described the experience as "challenging and humbling" but hasn't ruled out possibly representing the U.S. at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

At the Paris Games, Tatum averaged 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 17.7 minutes per contest while shooting 38.1% from the field.

The Warriors and Celtics face each other in Boston on Nov. 6 next season.