Jaylen Brown reached out to teammate Derrick White to clarify any “confusion” after expressing disappointment about not making the Team USA roster publicly.
Despite being the Finals MVP for the Celtics last month, Brown was initially not selected for the national team and was once again not chosen as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard, with White getting the nod instead.
“I immediately called Derrick,” Brown told reporters during the Celtics’ game against the Lakers at NBA Summer League in Vegas. “I wanted to make sure there was no misunderstanding, my respect for you and all of that. He understood that, and he appreciated it. You don’t always have to air everything out publicly. Derrick White and I are on good terms.”
Following White’s selection over him, Brown tweeted enigmatically, hinting that Nike athletes were being favored for Team USA selection.
When asked about it again, Brown stuck to his belief that Nike, a sponsor of USA basketball, played a role.
“There may be more to come on that but for now I won’t comment,” he said.
Setting aside the Nike speculation, it’s understandable why Brown would be frustrated about missing out on Team USA after winning an NBA championship and being named Finals MVP.
At the same time, there are valid arguments for a team-oriented player like Derrick White, who can make meaningful contributions when given playing time and won’t cause issues if benched.
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