Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown was in Las Vegas to watch the Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Summer League. Brown was asked about a number of topics, including not being asked to play for Team USA at this summer’s Olympics in Paris.
“I wasn’t surprised, but my reaction was that I was happy for D (Derrick) White,” Brown said. “It’s dope to have so much of our guys on there, so I was happy for those guys. But I wasn’t surprised.”
Brown said he believes that Nike influenced the decision to replace Kawhi Leonard with White instead of him. Brown is not a Nike-sponsored athlete, while White is. Brown has also been an outspoken critic of the shoe and apparel company in the past.
“I do for sure,” Brown said when asked if he believes Nike influenced the decision. “There will be more stuff to come with that. As of now, I’m not gonna comment on it.”
Brown later emphasized that he is happy for his Celtics teammate White on going to the Olympics.
“I called Derrick right away,” Brown said. “Just to make sure there’s no confusion, my love for you and all of that. He knew that. Me and D-White are good.”