"One of the hardest things" - Grant Hill provides clarity about Jaylen Brown snub amid criticism from NBA Finals MVP
When Kawhi Leonard announced that he'll be withdrawing from Team USA, many expected Jaylen Brown to get the nod and replace the LA Clippers star. However, Derrick White was named as Leonard's replacement and Team USA managing director Grant Hill explained the decision.
In his press conference before Team USA's exhibition game against Canada, Hill was asked by reporters why Brown was snubbed in favor of his Boston Celtics teammate. The Hall of Famer explained that it's all about putting a team together that complements each other.
"You have to build a team. And one of the hardest things is leaving people off the roster that I'm a fan of, that I look forward to watching throughout the season, throughout the playoffs. Guys who've been Finals MVP, guys who have been a part of the program, guys who've won gold medals. Guys who I respect, admire and enjoy watching. But the responsibility that I have is to put together a team and a team that complements each other," Hill said. [H/T Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston]
Jaylen Brown responded to the snub by calling out Nike and Team USA for the decision to leave him out of the roster. Brown has been a critic of the shoe brand since they parted ways with Kyrie Irving, so it was easy to think that they have a grievance against him.
However, Grant Hill squashed the conspiracy by pointing out that he was a Fila athlete and currently works for Team USA.
"For a good portion of my career, I wore Fila. That was supposed to be a joke. We're proud of our partners, obviously, here in Team USA. This is about putting together a team," Hill said. [H/T Ben Golliver of the Washington Post]
It should also be noted that while the majority of the players on the roster are Nike athletes, some of the players are also faces of other shoe brands. Steph Curry is synonymous with Under Armour, Anthony Edwards is the new face of Adidas and Joel Embiid recently signed with Skechers. Kawhi Leonard was even signed to New Balance.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are teammates on the Boston Celtics
While Grant Hill perfectly explained why Derrick White was chosen over Jaylen Brown, some fans pointed out that the two are teammates with the Boston Celtics. Both played with Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, who are also part of Team USA, which would make the transition easier.
White is the better defensive player and his offense is mainly his 3-point shots, while Brown is much better offensively, he's not a slouch on the defensive end. But in terms of fit, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, as Stephen A. Smith's source said, has an attitude that could rub people the wrong way.
Nevertheless, Team USA has made their choice and it's just a debate now for fans online. Some could think of it as a Nike power move, while others would explain that it's a basketball decision.