Derrick White replaces Kawhi Leonard on Team USA; Jaylen Brown upset
As expected the Jaylen Brown snub reaction has become a bigger story in the media than the positive one of Derrick White being recognized as an ideal teammate and winner.
On paper Derrick White seems like a better fit for an end of the bench role player on Team USA. Jaylen Brown's issue seems to stem from his belief that his snub, along with his friend Kyrie Irving's, was a political one. Regardless, perosnally I don't think its a great look to be upset over a perceived snub when the player chosen instead is one of your championship teammates.
Despite feeling that he's the Rodney Dangerfield of the NBA in that he gets no respect, Brown took home the ESPY award for "Best Championship Performance" last night. He was also voted both Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP's last month. A year ago Brown received All-NBA 2nd team honors which allowed him to secure a super max contract as opposed to just a max deal. Brown was the highest paid player in the NBA until Jayson Tatum inked his own super max deal this summer.
Jaylen Brown celebrates winning ESPY award https://t.co/KsVfNRhxJy
— TEAMBOSTON (@teamboston) July 12, 2024
Derrick White who was one of the finalists originally up for consideration for this year's Olympic team as well as the 2020 squad. Team USA is very familiar with White as he also played for them during the 2019 World Cup. Congrats Derrick!🗳️ Do u feel that Jaylen Brown is the Rodney Dangerfield of the NBA & gets no respect?
— CelticsLife.com (@celticslife) July 12, 2024
Evidence for:
Not on Team USA
Not All-NBA '24
Evidence against:
Voted 2024 NBA Finals MVP
Voted 2024 ECF MVP
ESPY winner 2024
Voted All-NBA 2nd Team in 2023
All-Star selection: '21, '23, '24 pic.twitter.com/WXkeiDBrIt