"There's zero reason why"- NBA fans roast Aaron Gordon for expecting Team USA call-up after conversation with Steve Kerr
Aaron Gordon's media day turned slightly controversial after he took a cheeky dig at Team USA for nearly losing to his co-star Nikola Jokic and the Serbian team at the Paris Olympics. Despite talking to Team USA coach Steve Kerr, Gordon admitted he was salty about not getting the call-up.
Gordon said he expected to suit up for the team during Thursday's media day for the Nuggets.
"I was asked about playing for Team USA and then the call never came around," Gordon said.
"So like, there was a little bit of salt there in the first place, you know. Then just to see Jok [Jokic] take them to the wire like that, it's like this is dope ... Dude on my team is just finna wash these cats. All that being said, America!"
Team USA was stacked with All-Star caliber talent across the board. Derrick White, who was Kawhi Leonard's replacement, was the only player never named an All-Star, but even he was seemingly on the brink of becoming one last year.
That made it difficult for the selection committee to hand out a spot to every committee. Several other All-Stars like Paul Goerge, Jaylen Brown and Kyrie Irving also got snubbed.
Fans used that to roast Aaron Gordon's expectations of getting a call-up.
"No disrespect, but there’s zero reason why he should’ve expected a call," one fan wrote.
"Bro actually expected a call?" wrote another.
More reactions followed:
Aaron Gordon announces he's giving it his all for 2028 Team USA call-up
Aaron Gordon seemingly isn't prepared to take no for an answer when the Olympics return to the USA in 2028 in Los Angeles. After his viral media day comments, the superhit Dunk Contest participant took to X and announced that he's going to give it his all for a spot four years down the line.
"If you think I’m not working every damn day to play in 2028 and represent…I got goals! Don’t care if you wanna see me fail," Gordon wrote.
Gordon, 29, will be among the older veterans in the league when the Olympics return in 2028. His pedigree as one of the best role players in the league helps his case, but the USA might go a different direction and pick younger stars who have experience at the Olympic level.
A then 33-year-old Aaron Gordon might not be as valuable of a prospect to consider compared to others, especially the ones playing at an All-Star caliber level.