Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown was in Las Vegas to watch the Celtics face the Los Angeles Lakers in the Summer League. Brown was asked about a number of topics, including his failure to be called up to play for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer.
“It wasn’t a surprise, but my reaction was I was happy for D (Derek) White,” Brown said. “I was really happy that a lot of our guys came out, and I was happy for those guys. But it wasn’t a surprise.”
Brown said he believes Nike influenced his decision to replace Kawhi Leonard with White instead of him. Brown is not a Nike-sponsored player, but White is. Brown has also been openly critical of shoe and apparel companies in the past.
“I definitely think so,” Brown said when asked if he thought Nike had any influence on the decision. “There’s going to be more information out there. I’m not going to comment on it right now.”
Brown later emphasized how happy he was that his Celtics teammate White was competing in the Olympics.
“I called Derek right away,” Brown said. “Just to make sure there was no confusion. My love for you and all that. He knew that. Me and D-White are fine.”
