Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Adds To Olympics Saga With Clear Promise

The drama between Jaylen Brown and Team USA Basketball currently is on the back burner, but it eventually will be recharged.

Since Brown’s omission from the Americans’ roster for the Paris Olympics turned into a full-blown ordeal, the situation certainly will be revisited when preparation for the next Summer Games begins. And Brown, who should be in the conversation for a roster spot in four years, looked ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics when he appeared on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”

“I’ll say this: In 2028, if I have to sign to Nike to increase my likelihood to play (for) USA Basketball, I’ll pass,” Brown told Smith.

Brown remains adamant that his icy relationship with Nike played a hand in not receiving an opportunity to represent his country in France. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP believes shoe companies should have “less control” over the basketball industry, and he wants to set an example for the next generation of hoopers. Brown thinks aspiring NBA players should focus on development in their youth and not worry about sponsorships at such a young age.

Even with external factors potentially working against him in the international competition space, Brown might leave Team USA with no choice but to put him on the roster in 2028. The 27-year-old has improved with each passing season, and he could add plenty more accolades over the next four years on a Celtics team that’s built for sustained success.