Just a day ago, Stephen A. Smith claimed the departure of Kawhi Leonard from Team USA for his injury issues. His words came true as Boston Celtics star Derrick White replaced Leonard, bringing out an outburst from another Celtics star, Jaylen Brown.
Nevertheless, soon after Team USA’s selection and Brown’s cryptic posts, Smith went on fire. The sports analyst used his social media account to demand an answer for not selecting Brown as Leonard’s replacement.
“Do y’all believe me now? Yo @FCHWPO, do I need to reveal my sources now? Is it not obvious now? How in the hell is a $300M man — now a champion and an NBA Finals MVP— who’s clearly a top-two player on the @celtics and a Top-15 player in the world, NOT chosen for Team-USA? B/c his teammate NOT named Tatum is selected before him? Come on y’all!!!” Smith wrote in his X account.
Nike is USA Basketball’s longtime partner. Brown slammed Nike when they ended their relationship with Kyrie Irving. Many fans think this is why Nike snubbed Brown’s name, while his previous relationship with Adidas can also be a scenario in many fans’ eyes.
Grant Hill Explains Jaylen Brown’s Omission from Team USA Roster
USA Basketball men’s managing director Grant Hill denied the rumors that Jaylen Brown was not picked for his bold take on Nike.
“You get 12 spots, and you have to build a team. And one of the hardest things is leaving people off the roster that I’m a fan of and that I look forward to watching throughout the season, throughout the playoffs—guys who’ve been Finals MVPs, guys who’ve been a part of the program, guys who’ve won gold medals, guys who I respect, admire, and enjoy watching,” Hill said.
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Hill later admitted that snubbing Brown was tough. But at the end of the day, their focus should be on building a formidable roster, which will ensure them the ‘best opportunity for success’.
“But the responsibility that I have is to put together a team and a team that compliments each other, a team that fits, a team that will give us the best opportunity for success. And so whatever theories that might be out there, they’re just that. But that’s my responsibility,” he added.
Team USA will begin their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign against Serbia on July 28.
