Brown: White and I 'are good' after Team USA omission
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown said that he called teammate Derrick White to clear the air after the Finals MVP wasn't chosen to replace Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard on Team USA.
Both players were left off the original selection for the 12-man roster. When Leonard had to leave the Olympic squad, the Americans selected White as his replacement.
"I called Derrick right away," Brown said, according to ESPN. "Just to make sure there's no confusion, my love for you (White) and all of that. He knew that, and he did. You don't always gotta make everything public. Me and D-White are good."
Brown sent out posts on social media after White's addition to Team USA was reported. One post was directed at Nike, a sponsor of USA Basketball, as the Celtics forward eluded that the footwear company played a role in his omission.
"There'll be more stuff to come with that but as of now I'm not going to comment on it," Brown said.
🧐🧐🧐
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 10, 2024
@nike this what we doing ?
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 10, 2024
Im not afraid of you or your resources
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 11, 2024
Brown has been critical of Nike in the past, questioning the company's concern about ethics.
Since when did Nike care about ethics? https://t.co/f8t2eY994v
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) November 10, 2022
Team USA director Grant Hill said last week that Nike played no role in the decision for Leonard's replacement, and that it was a difficult choice to select White over many talented players in the United States.
Brown averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals last season for the Celtics.
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