When the Nike controversy erupted across the NBA community following bold accusations from Jaylen Brown, many expected USA Basketball to face criticism, given Brown’s stature as the 2023-24 NBA Finals MVP. Additionally, the Dream Team’s decision to replace Kawhi Leonard with Derrick White fueled fan doubts. However, this backlash did not materialize. Fans seem to understand Brown’s snub and White’s inclusion, a sentiment highlighted by ex-Clippers star Austin Rivers’ recent comments criticizing Brown’s expression of discontent and its repercussions.

While appearing on the ‘Ringer NBA’ podcast with co-host Pausha Haghighi, Rivers criticized Celtics star Brown’s direct confrontation with Nike, stating, “You shouldn’t have said anything with Nike because it ain’t gonna help.” Rivers’ point is relevant, making bold public claims was futile since the replacement had already been announced. Organizations rarely reverse decisions to avoid appearing at fault. Additionally, Brown‘s actions against Nike could have repercussions for his candidacy at the LA Olympics in 2028.

“You added Nike, so now, like the next Olympics in four years from now on, Jaylen, you will still be up for that. You’ll be one of the premier players still in four years; that’s what I’d have to imagine. They ain’t calling you again, “ Rivers said, highlighting how Brown’s confrontation with Nike might affect his future candidacy for Team USA, given Nike’s significant influence.

While the past cannot be changed, Rivers offered Brown advice on how he should have expressed his dissatisfaction with Nike and Team USA.

PR Advice from Ex-NBA star to Jaylen Brown on Nike controversy

Addressing the consequences of Brown’s direct confrontation, Austin Rivers suggested that the situation could have been handled differently by Brown’s camp. He advised that they should have followed PR tactics and issued a statement saying, “A report should have came out that like members of Jaylen Brown’s camp are frustrated that he wasn’t involved and he looks forward to hopefully being involved in the future.”

“That’s how you come out with that. That would have been the best case scenario,” Rivers said, emphasizing that Brown’s image might have avoided controversial attention. Instead, the Celtics star took a rough approach, which could be interpreted as him being “sad” about his teammate’s inclusion, complicating the PR situation for him. Brown later had to issue a statement expressing happiness for Derrick White’s inclusion in the Team USA roster.

Overall, Jaylen Brown has found himself in the bad books of both Nike and USA Basketball by openly targeting his exclusion from the national team. While Derrick White may be a better catch-and-shoot player, Brown’s decision to confront Nike might jeopardize his future national ambitions. Do you think Jaylen Brown’s direct approach was justified, or should he have handled the situation differently? Let us know in the comments!