🤔 Jaylen Brown Got Robbed

Kawhi Leonard's Team USA withdrawal has caused quite the ruckus. Derrick White was tapped over Jaylen Brown, which has led to a lot of drama surrounding Nike and if the brand had a role in the decision. Let's break it down 🇺🇸 (3 min read)

Jaylen Brown x Team USA

Did Jaylen Brown get blacklisted from USA Basketball because of his Nike protest? There was a chance we’d get some answers from JB last night at the ESPY Award show in LA, but instead he gave Cam Newton nada 🙄

For context, Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the Olympic team which left one roster spot open. Brown’s teammate Derrick White got the nod, but many question why the Finals MVP wasn’t tapped over him. Brown is an elite defender and shooter and would have fit perfectly, and the accolades keep coming in 🏆

So the scoop is, Jaylen Brown has famously protested Nike by wearing Nike sneakers without the check. He either had someone remove the check or he obscured it someway 😶

I’m not 100% sure what Jaylen is protesting and I don’t want to misrepresent the way he feels, but I believe it’s related to the working conditions of Nike factory employees. This was from two years ago 👇

Frankly, I understand where he’s coming from, and as a lifelong fan, consumer and supporter of the Nike brand I respect what he’s saying. That being said, I believe for the most part all massive international sneaker brands are guilty of the same thing. Doesn’t make it any less wrong though. Obviously Grant Hill, who is the managing director of USA basketball, said the snub had nothing to do with Nike 👀

USA basketball is obviously majorly propped up by Nike, so I understand why a Jaylen feels he was black balled. Similarly, Kyrie has been very outspoken about Nike and famously left the brand to sign with Anta. Remember this one?

Anyway, Jaylen is probably a top-10 player in the NBA. He is better than Derrick White. Kyrie is one of the dopest hoopers alive, greatest ball handler ever and the best finisher of all-time. I don’t know if he’s a better fit than Derrick White, but something fishy is definitely going on 🤔

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