Jaylen Brown shares thoughts on not being selected to Team USA

Jaylen Brown helped lead the Boston Celtics to their 18th title in franchise history in 2023-24, winning NBA Finals MVP. Despite his strong season, the three-time All-Star was left off of the Team USA roster. While many assumed he could be the replacement for Kawhi Leonard, who was forced to withdraw due to injury, his Celtics teammate Derrick White was chosen instead.

Speaking to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, Brown stated:

I wasn’t surprised, but my reaction was that I was happy for D. White. It’s dope to have so much of our guys on there, so I was happy for those guys, but I wasn’t surprised.

He added that he believed Nike was involved in him not being selected, which Weiss shared in a tweet:

Jaylen Brown asked if he thinks Nike is involved with him not making Team USA: “I do for sure. There will be more stuff to come with that. As of now, I’m not gonna comment on it.”

Brown was publicly critical of the shoe company after they terminated Kyrie Irving’s contract in 2022. Nike is the official sponsor of Team USA. It is unclear, however, how much influence they have on the roster selection.

Jaylen Brown on not making Team USA: “I wasn’t surprised, but my reaction was that I was happy for D White. It’s dope to have so much of our guys on there, so I was happy for those guys. But I wasn’t surprised.” pic.twitter.com/UcL9XAhhOr

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) July 16, 2024

Jaylen Brown asked if he thinks Nike is involved with him not making Team USA: “I do for sure. There will be more stuff to come with that. As of now, I’m not gonna comment on it.”

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) July 16, 2024

Jaylen Brown reveals conversation with Derrick White

Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts with guard Derrick White (9) after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown was publicly critical of the decision to leave him off of the Team USA roster. Many believed that his comments could affect the Boston Celtics team chemistry. The one-time All-NBA selection revealed that he spoke with Derrick White privately during a recent conversation with Jared Weiss of The Athletic, stating:

Absolutely, I called Derrick right away. Just to make sure there’s no confusion, like my love for you and all of that. He knew that and he did. You don’t always got to make everything public, but me and D. White are good.

While Brown was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP, three of his Celtics teammates were named to the Team USA roster while he was not. In addition to White, Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday were also named to the 12-man roster.

Jaylen Brown: “I called Derrick right away. Just to make sure there's no confusion, my love for you and all of that. He knew that. Me and D-White are good." pic.twitter.com/Am5yhqZPpb

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) July 16, 2024

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