Jaylen Brown triumphed last season by proving himself worthy after signing a then-record-setting $286 million contract with the Boston Celtics to being named Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals MVP, however, it still might’ve not been enough.
When Team USA discovered that six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard would withdraw from the 2024 Summer Olympics due to an ongoing knee soreness injury, the attention turned to Celtics guard Derrick White — not Brown. Yet, even though White was already given the wink of approval in the event of Leonard’s departure, Brown — a three-time All-Star — had already floated his interest in partaking in the festivities.
“I think there’s no greater honor,” Brown said during team media day in October — five months before USA Basketball finalized and announced its official roster.
Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday secured their roster spots months ahead but rejected the opportunity to add Boston’s co-star Brown to the star-studded mix. This head-scratching decision even confused Brown, who took to social media shortly after White was welcomed to Team USA’s roster on Tuesday and voiced his grievances, even calling out Nike specifically, which is the official outfitter for USA Basketball — generating a bold conspiracy theory regarding the company’s possible involvement in Brown’s snub.
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“Whatever theories that might be out there, they’re just that,” Team USA managing director Grant Hill said, per Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston.
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From a purely competitive standpoint, the rejection might feel damaging to Brown, but for the Celtics, this could all work in their favor; especially with the organization approaching a chance to repeat as champions next season.
The mountain climb from an underrated draft prospect in 2016 who was viewed as the third guy chosen behind Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram, fueled Brown throughout the postseason. It gave the Celtics just what they needed, making up for the absence of Kristaps Porzingis and the shooting struggles of Tatum.
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“I think I’m one of the best two-way wings/guards in this game,” Brown said after winning conference finals MVP, per Matt Geagan of CBS Boston. “I feel like I should have been All-Defensive, and that hurt me the most. That’s something I set out to do this season and wanted to be. But I stopped caring and I just embrace it. I don’t care who sees what, as long as my team, my city and my family see my value.”
It’s no secret that being viewed as the team’s Robin instead of Tatum’s co-Batman bothers Brown, and has throughout a multi-year span. Even though the 27-year-old doesn’t shy away from expressing that displeasure, Brown does much more than just talk. He averaged 23 points with 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the regular season, revived interest in the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, and complied plenty of timely moments during the playoffs — including a game-saving 3-pointer in Game 1 of the conference finals against the Indiana Pacers and 32-point performance in Game 2 of the semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Brown’s ongoing fight for respect hasn’t hindered the outspoken Cal product’s growth, nor should it be expected once his ninth season commences in October.
Featured image via Peter Casey/USA TODAY Sports Images
