Despite having one of the best Olympic campaigns in history, winning Gold, Team USA roster selection was full of controversies. It was, of course, a thing of excitement to watch the dynamic of LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. But things got heated when Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the team and Jaylen Brown was not called up as a replacement, who had just won the NBA final MVP. And, now weeks after the Olympics, ex-NBA star Vince Carter adds another layer to the story to reason Brown’s snub — it involves Kevin Durant.

TheVCShow recently dropped a clip on Instagram where Carter laid out the scenario for Jaylen Brown’s potential inclusion. He explained, “Jaylen Brown gets the nod if Kevin Durant couldn’t play and he wasn’t healthy, and they needed another scorer.” Carter pointed out that with heavyweights like Steph, LeBron, and KD in the mix, there wasn’t much need for another ball-dominant player. “He’s the guy that you want to put the ball in his hands,” he added, emphasizing Brown’s role in the offense.

However, looking ahead, the landscape for Team USA basketball could change by the 2028 Olympics. With LeBron potentially retired and both KD and Curry approaching 40, opportunities for younger talents like Brown are likely to arise. Carter believes in Brown’s future, stating, “I think he will definitely be a guy up for 2028.” Moreover, he noted Brown’s passion for representing the USA on the global stage, hinting at what could have been this time around if KD had been unavailable.

Interestingly, USA Basketball director Grant Hill also sees Brown as a top candidate for the 2028 team. Yet, after his Olympic snub, Brown suggested on social media that Nike played a role in his exclusion. Hill responded, dismissing the theories but acknowledging the tough conversations involved in roster decisions, saying, “It’s tough to have conversations, tell people that they’re not on the team.”

In a rebuttal, Brown expressed his disappointment at Hill’s remarks, emphasizing his experience as a long-time VP of the NBPA. Hill later addressed the situation on the Open Run podcast, saying, “When you have a team with the profile of players on this team, you know there’s going to be controversy… So yeah, it was disappointing. You gotta do your job. I’ve tried to do this the right way. “

Olympic snub motivated Jaylen Brown

Naturally, the question of Jaylen Brown’s Olympic snub was one of the first to come up during Celtics’ media day. Barely settled at the podium, Brown laughed off the early inquiry, saying, “Question number one? Didn’t get to warm up a little? Sh*t.” 

The Olympic snub only added fuel to Brown’s fire. “I’m extremely motivated for obvious reasons,” he shared, reflecting on how he’s ready to lead his team into another season. “The past is the past, but I’m ready to get after it, build some team chemistry, and just set the tone.”

Interestingly, Brown also admitted that the snub wasn’t his only source of motivation. Despite having his best season to date, he missed out on All-Defensive and All-NBA honors. “I would be lying if I say I didn’t,” Brown admitted. “As a competitor, you’re always looking for something to add to that chip on your shoulder. And when those voices get louder, it wakes you up even more.”

Despite the setbacks, Brown, who averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, is fired up. “This is probably the hardest I’ve ever worked,” he said, eager to start the new season stronger than ever.