Celtics fans boo Steve Kerr over Jayson Tatum Olympic benching

Steve Kerr’s greeting by fans at TD Garden was anything but a warm welcome.The Warriors coach — who became an enemy in Boston for benching forward Jayson Tatum in the 2024 Paris Olympics — was booed mercilessly during introductions before his team took down the reigning champs in a 118-112 victory in Boston on Wednesday.

Kerr was prepared for that kind of reception from Celtics fans.During a radio interview Tuesday, Kerr said sarcastically that he anticipated that Celtics fans “are going to welcome me with open arms.” “I’m excited.

I think the fans are really going to cheer for me,” Kerr quipped on KNBR’s “Tolbert & Copes” show.“Because you know what I did this past summer — I played Jrue Holiday and Derrick White a ton, and given that both guys are Celtics and the fact that Tatum also played a huge role in the proceedings, all three guys, major factors, and we won the gold medal.“This is America.

It’s the day after Election Day.I think Celtics fans are going to welcome me with open arms, and just maybe even bouquets of roses … Heartfelt.”At the time, many fans, as well as Tatum’s mother, questioned Kerr’s rotations and the NBA champ’s lack of playing time.

Tatum was benched when Team USA cruised past Serbia in the Olympic opener, 110-84 on July 28.Afterward, Kerr said he “felt like an idiot not playing” Tatum and acknowledged his All-NBA resume.The coach also said he spoke with Tatum prior to the game and informed how the rotation may play out.Tatum was benched again during Team USA’s 95-91 semifinal win against Serbia on August 8.

Kerr found success in his rotations as Team USA went on to defeat France to take home the gold two days later.At the time, Kerr explained that he was open with his team about his rotations and asked them to see the bigger picture — winning gold.

“I addressed the team before the first practice, and we talked about it,” Kerr previously said during an appearance on “Tolbert...