Why is Jaylen Brown not on Team USA for 2024 Olympics? Reason explored
Jaylen Brown finished a terrific 2023-24 NBA season with the Boston Celtics, winning the 18th NBA championship in franchise history, and earning Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP honors. Despite these achievements, the veteran swingman wasn't selected to be part of Team USA for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
When Kawhi Leonard dropped off the team, Brown was considered by many as a solid option to replace the LA Clippers star. USA Basketball did pick a Celtics player, but they went with Derrick White instead.
This decision raised multiple questions around the NBA, and Grant Hill took some time to respond in detail on why Jaylen Brown still didn't make the cut. The Team USA managing director shut down the notion that Nike was behind this call.
"You get 12 spots, and you have to build a team," Hill said. "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 MVPs, guys who've 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, a team that fits a team that will give us the best opportunity for success.
Hill added:
"And, so, whatever theories that might be out there, they're just that. But that's my responsibility. And it's tough. It's tough to have conversations, tell people that they're not on the team.
"I'm trying to win and I'm trying to put together the right pieces that fit and give us a chance to win."
Jaylen Brown doubles down on accusations against Nike
After asking Nike if 'this what we doing?' on X (formerly known as Twitter) following his snub from Team USA, Jaylen Brown admitted that he believed the brand was behind this decision.
"I do for sure (Nike influenced Team USA's decision). There will be more stuff to come with that. As of now, I'm not gonna comment on it," Brown said.
He then said that there was no bad blood between him and Derrick White. Brown called him after learning about the news to clear the air.
Jaylen Brown was recently spotted watching the NBA Summer League action with his rumored girlfriend Kysre Gondrezick and will have a chance to become a back-to-back champion with the Boston Celtics next season. On the other hand, Team USA continues to prepare for the upcoming Olympics.