Derrick White the Better Choice for Team USA Over Jaylen Brown Following Kawhi Leonard's Exit

Sports | July 11, 2024, 10:14 a.m.

Three Boston Celtics players were selected to play for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, but Jaylen Brown, considered the team's second-best player, was left out. Initially, his exclusion didn't raise many eyebrows due to the star-studded roster. However, when Kawhi Leonard withdrew, Brown seemed like a natural replacement. Despite his solid credentials, Team USA opted for Derrick White instead. Brown voiced his displeasure on social media, particularly targeting Nike, the team's uniform manufacturer. The decision to select White over Brown was based on his playmaking ability, shooting accuracy, and defensive prowess. Team USA's goal is to assemble a well-rounded team with specialists suited for the FIBA stage, where different skills are prioritized over star power. Ultimately, the choice of White over Brown was seen as the best strategic move to maximize the team's chances of winning gold.