Grant Hill spoke recently about the issue involving Jaylen Brown.
Back in 2024, then-Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was embroiled in a controversy when he wasn't selected for the 2024 Paris Olympic team that eventually won the gold medal over Serbia.
Brown had recently been named the MVP of the NBA Finals as the Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in June, but he was left off the Olympic team as teammates Jayson Tatum and Derrick White were selected.
After the team was announced, Brown made it known that he felt he was left off the because he wasn't a Nike athlete and had been critical of the company before. Being left off the team was a sore spot for Brown, and people wondered if the Olympic situation was going to cause an issue for the Celtics in 2024-25.
It didn't, as the Celtics still posted an excellent season and got back to the playoffs, but Brown, who is no stranger to the disrespect card, was obviously bothered throughout the whole thing.
Speaking this weekend on a podcast, Hall of Famer Grant Hill, who put the Team USA roster together, spoke about the whole situation, saying that he called Brown before the roster was released to talk about it. He said the conversation with Brown was great, but something clearly got lost along the way, as Brown later acted like the decision had to do with the Nike situation.
USA Basketball director Grant Hill, left, presents Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few with an Olympic ring prior to a game against the San Francisco Dons at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn ImagesHill said Nike had nothing to do with his selections on the team, and felt that that insinuation by people was an attack on his character.
Do we believe Hill?
Both things can be true.
Brown probably did receive a call from Hill, and Hill probably thought the conversation was productive. But it probably doesn't change the fact that Brown feels there was a real underlying motive for not being put on the roster. Never one to keep his thoughts to himself, the outspoken Brown then took his thoughts public on social media, even after the reported conversation.
Also in the news for the Celtics
--The Celtics finished out the Las Vegas Summer League schedule on Saturday, dropping a game against the Orlando Magic. As a result, the C's went 3-2 in Summer League and will be off until the start of the preseason in October. Training camp will begin in September.
--Former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame on Aug. 15. He'll have two Celtics at his side.
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