Grant Hill addressed the United States' decision to replace Kawhi Leonard on their Olympics roster with Derrick White. There were previously reports that White would be the probable replacement should anyone on the roster drop off before the roster was finalized, the announcement was met with cryptic criticism from Jaylen Brown.
After White's selection was announced, Brown first tweeted a series of emojis and then tweeted at Nike, "this what we doing?" in what seemingly was a reference to Nike's sponsorship of Team USA.
"You get 12 spots, and you have to build a team," Hill said. "And one of the hardest things is leaving people off the roster that I'm a fan of that I look forward to watching throughout the season, throughout the playoffs. Guys who've been, um, Finals MVPs, guys who've been a part of the program, guys who've won gold medals, guys who I respect, admire and enjoy watching. But the responsibility that I have is to put together a team and a team that complements each other, a team that fits a team that will give us the best opportunity for success.
"And, so, whatever theories that might be out there, they're just that. But that's, that's my responsibility. And it's tough. It's tough to have conversations, tell people that they're not on the team.
"I'm trying to win and I'm trying to put together the right pieces that fit and give us a chance to win."
Brown played for the United States in the 2019 World Cup, as well as in the 2014 U18 Americas Championship.
