Jaylen Brown has built a reputation for channeling perceived slights into jet fuel for his career. The Celtics star has been underestimated at various stages and has repeatedly proven his doubters wrong. He’s an elite basketball player, and his case for being on Team USA for the 2024 Olympics was as strong as anyone’s. He certainly had a justified feeling of being overlooked, especially when he could have been a replacement for Kawhi Leonard.
However, the moment Derrick White was rumored to be Leonard’s likely replacement, Brown should have refrained from public complaints. Brown, more than anyone, should understand the importance of unity and support, especially given his history of battling against rumors of a rift with teammate Jayson Tatum. Yet, he chose to express his frustration through social media posts targeting USA Basketball and Nike, stepping into a pothole of his own creation.
Had Damian Lillard or Jalen Brunson taken Leonard’s spot, Brown’s griping might have been seen as adding spice to the rivalry with the Bucks or Knicks. It wouldn’t have been classy, but it could have been entertaining. But complaining when a fellow Celtic is the collateral damage is poor form.
The Celtics have long emphasized team, brotherhood, and unity. If those sentiments are genuine, Brown should have celebrated White’s achievement instead of making it about himself. White’s journey from an overlooked Division II college player to being invited to join one of the best rosters in history should have been the story. Instead, TV pundits are debating whether Brown was snubbed.
Brown’s public pouting likely reinforced USA Basketball’s decision not to select him. Despite being the highest-paid player in the NBA last season and winning both the Eastern Conference Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP honors, Brown’s “Rodney Dangerfield act” no longer holds water. He receives plenty of respect and money.
Had Brown praised and congratulated White on social media, he would have garnered admiration both inside and outside the Celtics’ locker room. Instead, he stole White’s moment. This incident could create a crack in the Celtics’ chemistry as they attempt to repeat as champions. If White, who is both laid-back and mature, chooses to ignore Brown’s outburst and focuses on his Olympic experience, the issue might blow over. However, if the team faces other adversities down the line, this incident could resurface.
Being a great player, a true alpha, requires more than just basketball skill. Brown still needs to take that step.
