Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Believes This Factored Into Team USA Snub

Celtics star Jaylen Brown believes he knows why he won’t represent the United States at the Paris Olympics.

Brown, an All-Star in three of the last four NBA seasons, did not crack the initial Team USA roster and wasn’t picked to occupy the spot vacated by Kawhi Leonard, even after winning Eastern Conference finals MVP and Finals MVP. The 27-year-old hasn’t hidden his frustration about the omission, and he’s teased revelatory information about the situation.

The eight-year veteran did some more teasing Monday night in Las Vegas, but he did confirm one aspect of the ordeal. Brown was asked point-blank if he believes Nike played a role in keeping him away from the Summer Games.

“I do, for sure,” Brown told reporters at NBA Summer League, per a video from CLNS’ Bobby Manning. “There will be more stuff to come with that. But as of now, I’m not going to comment on it.”

Brown also made sure to note he immediately congratulated Celtics teammate Derrick White, who took Leonard’s spot after the two-time champion withdrew due to injury.

There’s also still an outside chance of Brown ending up in Paris. Another roster spot could open up if a nagging ailment prevents Kevin Durant from playing in the Games.