Despite Grant Hill’s justification for putting together a team that “complements” each other on the roster after Jaylen Brown’s accusations about Nike’s influence in his Team USA exclusion, the Celtics star remains adamant about his stance. Nearly a week later, Brown reaffirmed his opinion after watching the LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics Summer League game. When reporters gathered to hear his latest thoughts on the controversy, the three-time NBA All-Star confirmed his stance “for sure” and refrained from further comments. With such a bold response, the NBA community may question some anomalies, but Team USA GM Grant Hill is not one to budge easily.

On today’s coverage of FS1’s ‘Undisputed,’ sports journalist Rachel Nichols revealed what Hill said on the call about the controversy. “He made the point that the little things Derrick White does that are a little bit different and his role on the team, and the fact that they could bring in someone who was guard instead of a forward because of the way the rotation was shaping out, “ Nichols presented Hill’s clarification while defending his choice. When Nichols’ fellow host Skip Bayless further confirmed if Hill addressed the Nike accusations directly, Nichols replied, “Yes, he addressed that directly with me. He said there’s absolutely no truth to it.”

Nichols also mentioned how Hill referenced his own career, noting he was a FILA athlete for most of his stint. However, now he is associated with a team fully sponsored by Nike. Hill has always made jokes about Nike, but Brown has a different past with the athletic footwear and apparel company that the whole NBA community is aware of. That’s why Nichols sided with Grant Hill’s explanation even when she was not sure of any kind of influence.

Nonetheless, Jaylen Brown’s double dig at Nike was also complimented with consequences for unknown targets!

Jaylen Brown doubles down on Nike accusations, predicts future “issue”

During the Summer League attendance, Rachel Nichols also met with Jaylen Brown personally to discuss the matter. As expected, Brown was sure of what he believed but further added to his statement, “That’s going to be an issue.” With such bold accusations, the fog of suspicion is slowly hovering over the whole NBA community about the Celtics star’s snub from Team USA. It is not only his words that add relevance to the controversy; Kawhi Leonard’s omission might also be part of it.

It is worth noting that Kawhi and Nike were involved in a legal feud about five years ago over the “Klaw” logo’s copyright possession. Even though Hill mentioned that Kawhi‘s exit from the national team was mutual, Clippers President Lawrence Frank disagreed. “It was USA B’s call. …Kawhi wanted to play, we wanted him to play,” Frank revealed to the media on Kawhi Leonard’s exit from the team.

This raises concerns about whether Nike is really involved in the recruitment matters of Team USA apart from its sponsorship contribution. From the looks of it, someone is lying for sure. Only time will tell who is on the wrong side as the controversy proceeds.

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!