While Team USA has already landed in Paris and is all geared up to play their first game against Serbia, many people are still stuck on the Jaylen Brown snub. Seeing how the team struggled in the London Showcase games against South Sudan and Germany, fans were left wondering if JB’s addition would have made things better. And now, Stephen A. Smith raised the same concern to media veteran Brian Windhorst, who gave a plausible explanation as to why selecting Derrick White instead of Jaylen Brown was the right move while fans continue to blame Nike for influencing the decision.

Making an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show straight from the streets of Paris, Windy was asked an important question by the show’s host, “Did Team USA make a mistake by not adding Jaylen Brown to this team?” An extremely analytical Windhorst calmly responded, “I don’t think so. Let me explain why.” While Jaylen Brown is undeniably a better player than Derrick White, it is possible that the reigning Finals MVP did not fit USA Basketball’s current needs.

“When you look at the opponents in this Olympics, the best teams have strong big men and strong guards. There isn’t necessarily strong wings.” Windy remarked. Although many believe that Kawhi Leonard being a wing player should have been replaced by Brown who is also a wing player, the veteran analyst claimed that Team USA needed a backup guard for Jrue Holiday, hence picking Derrick White. “They were gonna need another guy who could be really good on guarding other team’s guards.” Brian added. However, it is highly likely that Brown doesn’t believe this analogy as he openly blamed Nike for playing a part in his snub because of his tarnished relations with the sneaker giants. Moreover, Windhorst also claimed that there is a possibility USA Basketball’s decision could come back to haunt them, “They could end up taking a loss and getting burned by a wing player and they could have egg on their face. It’s not an easy decision, but I do understand why they went this way.”

Why did Team USA need a backup for Jrue Holiday?

It was three years ago in Tokyo that Holiday proved how important he was for Team USA’s success. When the Americans faced the Australian team in the semi-finals, Patty Mills was a huge threat heading into that game as he was averaging 21.7 points along with 5.7 assists. But it was Holiday’s lockdown defense that contained Mills on offense and helped Team USA get a 97-78 win over the Aussies. And the Americans are highly likely to face a similar situation this time around as most of their opponents are guard or center-dominant squads.

“When a spot came open, their biggest need was a backup for Jrue Holiday. It wasn’t necessarily the best wing player available.” He added. And who better to be a guard backup than Derrick White, who recently helped the Celtics win a Championship, averaging 16.7 points and 4.1 assists in the postseason? While Nike continues to catch heat from Jaylen Brown and his fans, Windhorst’s explanation might help calm the situation a little. But that’s only if Team USA is able to win gold in Paris, leaving no more doubts about their decision.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.