Team USA was mired in controversy before they even left the USA for the Paris 2024 Olympics when Derrick White was selected to replace an injured Kawhi Leonard on Team USA. This upset White's Celtics' teammate Jaylen Brown, who felt overlooked and hinted towards this being a Nike-driven decision. The teammates don't have any bad blood with each other, as White confirmed Brown called him after his call-up.
“Jaylen gave me a call and I was like, ‘Yeah, you didn't need to call me. I know we're good. He gave me a call and said he just wanted to clear things up and I told him we're all good. Never any problem or issue with us, for sure. He's a hell of a player and I've never had a bad thing to say about JB.”
Brown had told the media that he called White to make sure they were on the same page, emphasizing that their relationship was fine.
"Absolutely, I called Derrick (White) right away. Just to make sure there's no confusion, my love for you and all of that. He knew that he did. You don't gotta always make anything public, but me and D-White are good."
Brown felt snubbed because he didn't even get recognized by Team USA despite being the reigning Finals MVP. Even if he had the same fate as teammate Jayson Tatum and warmed the bench during an Olympic matchup, he'd have appreciated being recognized enough to be a part of the team.
White is not to blame for how things played out, so Brown will not harbor resentment toward his hardworking teammate. But if Brown does feel upset over being treated like this, it could affect him heading into the 2024-25 season where the Celtics will hope to retain their title.
Grant Hill Called Jaylen Brown A Conspiracy Theorist
Ever since Brown was snubbed by Team USA, the reigning Finals MVP and media members have implied sneaker politics ruled the decision. Brown has previously been extremely critical of Nike, especially when they dropped Kyrie Irving in 2022. There are only three non-Nike players on Team USA right now, with the unaffiliated Brown being ignored for a Nike athlete like White.
USA Basketball Director Grant Hill dismissed the sneaker politics accusations swiftly, calling it a conspiracy theory.
“I don’t know if that was before or after things went out on Twitter. But yeah, I think this idea that there’s a conspiracy theory — I always love a good conspiracy theory, but it was really truly a basketball decision and these are tough decisions. But having gone through this with the FIBA competition, you want to find the right balance and the right pieces on the court that we needed.”
This statement further offended Brown, who hit back on social media.
"Grant Hill calling me a conspiracy theorist is disappointing. I’ve been a VP since I was 21 years old. I have a great understanding."
Brown's future with Team USA seems bleak now, with the Celtics star antagonizing almost everyone in a position of power in the organization. He might not get to represent his country but he'll continue standing up for what he thinks is right.
