Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has criticized USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill after he stated that the decision to overlook Brown for the Paris Olympics was solely based on basketball reasons. Brown suggested that his previous comments about Nike may have contributed to his snub.
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has expressed disappointment over his exclusion from the USA Basketball roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. After former NBA guard Grant Hill suggested that the decision was made based solely on basketball considerations, Brown criticized Hill on social media, calling him a "conspiracy theorist."
Jaylen Brown Responds to USA Basketball's Decision Not to Include Him on Olympic Roster
In an interview with The Dan Patrick Show, Hill explained that Derrick White, Brown's Celtics teammate, was selected over him due to his better fit for the team's needs. "It was really truly a basketball decision and these are tough decisions," Hill said.
However, Brown believes that his past comments about Nike may have played a role in his exclusion. "I do for sure," he told The Athletic. "There will be more stuff to come with that. As of now, I'm not gonna comment on it."
Jaylen Brown Responds to USA Basketball's Decision Not to Include Him on Olympic Roster
Brown has been an outspoken critic of Nike, expressing concerns about the company's labor practices. Last year, he urged Nike to pay more attention to the working conditions in its factories overseas.
Hill has denied that Brown's comments about Nike influenced the decision. "I don't think that had anything to do with it," he said. "I think it's unfortunate that he's making those kinds of accusations."
Jaylen Brown Responds to USA Basketball's Decision Not to Include Him on Olympic Roster
Brown's snub from the Olympic roster has sparked controversy and raised questions about the selection process. Some believe that Brown's outspoken nature may have made him a less desirable candidate for the team.
Brown is not the only player to express disappointment over being overlooked for the Olympics. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was also reportedly upset by his exclusion from the roster.
Team USA will begin its pursuit of a gold medal against Serbia on Sunday. The team will be led by a star-studded lineup that includes Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum.
Brown's absence will be a noticeable one, as he is one of the most talented young players in the NBA. He averaged 24.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the regular season last year.
Despite his exclusion, Brown has expressed support for his teammates. "I'm happy for White," he said. "I'm happy for all the guys who made the team. I wish them the best."
