"I know you have issues with Nike" - Paul Pierce calls out Jaylen Brown for snubbing Michael Jordan on his all-time starting 5
Jaylen Brown has found his name trending a lot, dating from his viral tweets calling out Nike for being snubbed from this year's USA Basketball Olympic Team. Now, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP turned attention again after he snubbed basketball great Michael Jordan off his all-time starting five list.
Brown named LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Bill Russell and Kevin Durant as his all-time starting five. However, leaving out the Chicago Bulls legend is a decision Paul Pierce can't get behind.
The Celtics legend criticized Brown's all-time starting five for lacking Jordan. "The Truth" even pointed out Brown's dissatisfaction with the Nike brand as a possible reason for the snub.
"Jordan is on everyone's list [Jaylen] Brown," Pierce said on a live segment of FS1's Undisputed. "I know you have issues with Nike. Kobe was a Nike guy, LeBron was a Nike guy, KD's a Nike guy, I just don't get it. Maybe he was supposed to get drafted by Michael in Charlotte and had an issue there. Come on, JB."
There are so many elite athletes in NBA history that putting together an incredible starting five lineup tends to be a challenge, as not every legend can be included.
Jaylen Brown replaces Shaquille O'Neal on his all-time starting five for Celtics
Before he included Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell in his starting five, Jaylen Brown had "The Diesel," Shaquille O'Neal, running the center position alongside LeBron James in the frontcourt.
However, Brown immediately changed that pick as he highlighted his preference for how his all-time starting five will play as one unit on the court in his interview with House of Highlights.
"I don't know. I want to be able to get up and down" Brown said. "I might go like Bill Russell. It's a different game now. Bill Russell, KD, LeBron, Kobe, Steph."
Judging from Brown's chosen players, versatility played a huge role in his selection. The spacing looks sharp with the inclusions of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, Warrios' Stephen Curry and Suns' Kevin Durant. These are all lethal shotmakers and marksmen that would force opposing defenses to adjust accordingly.
The playmaking is on point as well, with the presence of LeBron James and the Warriors star. Both are revered for their precise decision-making and the ability to make the right passes per possession.
When it comes to defense, these are all capable defenders at their position, especially considering the addition of Bill Russell at the rim. An overlooked aspect of Russell's game was his ability to run up quickly down the court, which also plays a role in his capability to defend in space due to his speed and length.