From appearance alone, there are no reservations when looking at the adorned Team USA Olympic team. Packed with the best of the league, youngsters, and veterans, there is no weakness. However, a major point of discussion was the exclusion of Jaylen Brown. As the reigning Finals MVP, Brown felt sour about being excluded, even blaming Nike. But with three other Celtics teammates on the roster, did the organization make an effort to push his case?

Recently, Celtics president Brad Stevens spoke to the Boston Globe about the entire situation. Having seen Brown’s dexterity for years, Stevens had no doubt over his capabilities. But at the same time, the former head coach of the Celtics isn’t one to meddle in the process. Although he did put in a good word.

“I just tell everybody how great our guys are, and then I stay out of it. I think that’s my role. I think Jaylen could be on any Olympic team any given year. He could be a featured part of those teams. I saw [USA Basketball director Grant Hill] said he’d love to sit down and talk to him about being part of that pool in ‘28, whatever that may be,” Stevens told the Boston Globe.

It was during All The Smoke’s Open Run that Hill told Rachel Nichols that he would be open to welcoming Jaylen Brown on the 2028 Olympics team when the competition will take place in Los Angeles. Additionally, Grant also previously revealed his having a conversation with Brown’s agent and explaining “it was really truly a basketball decision”.

Jaylen Brown though seems unconvinced and has proclaimed to speak more in-depth about his exclusion at a later time. While it isn’t a pleasant situation, Stevens feels the 27-year-old will return with a vengeance.

Jaylen Brown to earn Olympics snub as motivation

Even before the Paris Olympics saga, Jaylen Brown was among the best combo guards in the entire league. His fervor during the postseason showed flashes of his true potential as he improved as a defender and became the focal attack point. His diligent efforts were rewarded with MVPs in both the ECF and the NBA Finals.

But is there another level to his basketball gifts? Stevens feels the Olympics snub will motivate Jaylen Brown to evolve his game a step further.

“But I think Jaylen is one of the best players in the world. And one of the best things about Jaylen is whether he gets the call and makes the team or doesn’t get the call, he’s going to use it as motivation to get better. So I know he’s working and he’s excited about improving. I think he’ll truly embrace the challenges that come with winning last year. That’s who he’s always been. And this will probably add more fuel to his fire. But he doesn’t need much fuel added. He finds it,” Stevens said.

The NBA landscape has changed drastically in the months since the Celtics claimed their 18th title. Teams such as the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have made major trades in the offseason. Similar to the West, the East is no longer a one-sided conference. The Celtics will face much severe competition, not only due to the improved teams but also their status as the current champions.

And it’s never easy to repeat. At the same time, the Celtics are looking to begin a dynasty spearheaded by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. With the sweet taste of victory, the prolific duo is not one to let the competition steal what’s theirs. Nor are the Celtics a team that likes to lose.

Do you think Brown will take the NBA world by storm in the coming season? Let us know what you think in the comments below.