'Motivated' Jaylen Brown discusses being left off Team USA

Despite reports weeks ago indicating Derrick White would likely replace Kawhi Leonard in case of injury, social media was abuzz when Jaylen Brown, the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals MVP, was passed over in favor of White after Leonard withdrew from the Paris Olympics last week.

While the decision surprised many, Brown told reporters Monday night he “wasn’t surprised” by USA Basketball’s choice, suggesting that Nike’s sponsorship influence played a role in his omission from the team.

“I do for sure,” Brown said when asked if he believed Nike played a role in him being left off the team. “There’ll be more stuff to come with that, but as of now, I’m not gonna comment on it.”

Brown is not a Nike-sponsored athlete, while White is. Brown has previously criticized Nike and insinuated their involvement in choosing White over him through cryptic social media posts last week:

In expressing his frustrations, Brown unintentionally dragged his teammate into the fray. However, Brown quickly reassured White that his disappointment wasn’t aimed at him.

“I was happy for D-White. It’s dope to have so [many] of our guys on there. So I was happy for those guys,” Brown said. “I called Derrick right away just to make sure there’s no confusion, my love for you and all of that. He knew that, and he did. You don’t always gotta make everything public. Me and D-White are good.”

While Brown is still riding the high of winning the NBA Finals, his focus is now turning to doing it again, with a little extra fuel courtesy of the Team USA snub.

“Absolutely,” Brown said when asked if being left off the team provides added motivation. “I’m super fired up. I got all the motivation in the world to just come out and improve. I love it, honestly. ”

Brown has been talking with Al Horford and other teammates about getting back to the gym to prepare for another championship run, with 15 of last season’s 17 players expected to return.

“For me, it’s back to ground one,” Brown said. “My mindset is almost like the championship is over now. Now, we gotta get back to work.”