Inside The Celtics

Grant Hill Adds New Details to Jaylen Brown’s Olympic Snub, Future with Team USA

Eric Jay Santos

Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Thanks to a 32-15 fourth quarter rally for a 95-91 win over Serbia in the semifinals, the United States men’s national basketball team is set to compete in the gold medal game against France on Saturday. It was a victory where Steve Kerr stubbornly doubled down on benching Jayson Tatum against Serbia, a mistake that nearly proved costly.

It's well documented that despite leading the Celtics to a championship this past season, Team USA decided not to add Boston's other star wing, reigning NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, to their Olympic campaign.

Prior to the tournament, Brown voiced his frustration over not being chosen to represent his country in Paris this summer. Celtics teammate Derrick White was chosen to fill the final roster spot, replacing Kawhi Leonard.  

As captured by All the Smoke Productions, Grant Hill, the managing director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team, told Rachel Nichols on Open Run that he reached out to Brown, among other top stars that didn't make the team. Hill felt players of Brown's status deserved to hear from him about that decision and wanted individuals like Brown, Paul George, and Damian Lillard to learn of that choice directly from him.

"I've tried to do this the right way," said Hill. "I called Jaylen Brown... I'm confident he and I will sit down at some point and talk about it."

Hill added that the door is open for the three-time All-Star to represent his country and play for the United States men's basketball team at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

"He'll be a candidate if he wants in '28," stated the managing director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

In 2028, Brown will be 31 years old and entering the final year of his current five year, $304 million deal. With LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in their mid-to-late 30s, Team USA’s roster figures to have significant holes to fill in four years.

Further Reading

Celtics Scheduled for Rivalry Clash on Christmas

A Win is a Win, but Benching Jayson Tatum vs. Serbia a Stubborn Mistake

Team USA Salvages Gold Medal Hopes with Final Frame Rally vs. Serbia

Celtics Trio Helps Team USA Cruise by Brazil in Knockout Play

Here's What to Know about Jaylen Brown's Boston XChange

Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown 'Wasn't Surprised' by Olympic Snub: 'All the Motivation in the World'

Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

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Eric Jay Santos

ERIC JAY SANTOS

Eric Jay Santos covers the Boston Celtics for Sports Illustrated Media Group. He holds a BA in English from Bridgewater State University. Contact: ericjaysantos@msn.com

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