Jaylen Brown says he called teammate Derrick White to clear up any “confusion” after publicly expressing his disappointment with missing the cut for Team USA.
Brown, who was named Finals MVP for the champion Celtics last month, was initially left off the national team’s roster and was again overlooked as a potential replacement for Kawhi Leonard, with White being selected instead.
“I called Derrick right away,” Brown told reporters on Monday during the Celtics’ game against the Lakers at NBA Summer League in Vegas. “Just to make sure there’s no confusion, my love for you and all of that. He knew that, and he did. You don’t always gotta make everything public. Me and D-White are good.”
After being passed over in favour of White, Brown posted multiple cryptic tweets, including one suggesting that Nike athletes were being favoured for selection.
Asked about it again on Monday, Brown held firm to his theory about Nike, which sponsors USA basketball.
“There will be more stuff to come with that but as of now I’m not going to comment on it,” he said.
Nike theories aside, Brown’s frustration with being left off Team USA is understandable, considering he is coming fresh off winning an NBA championship, while also being named Finals MVP.
Then again, there are strong arguments to be made for a selfless role player like Derrick White, who will provide valuable contributions if there are minutes available, and won’t pout if there are not.
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