In a recent interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Grant Hill addressed the decision to exclude Jaylen Brown from this year’s Team USA squad, opting instead for his teammate Derrick White.
Hill emphasized that the decision was purely based on basketball considerations.
“I spoke to his agent. I don’t know if that was before or after things went out on Twitter, but yeah, I think this idea that there’s a conspiracy theory.
I always love a good conspiracy theory, but it was really truly a basketball decision and these are tough decisions.”Â
“But having gone through this with the FIBA competition, you want to find the right balance and the right pieces on the court that we needed.”
“Not to say that he wouldn’t have been good. There’s a lot of guys you can go on, a list of guys who are very capable, and very, very qualified. But you know, for where we were, it was the right decision. Derrick White, I think, will help us as we pursue gold.” (3:57)
Hill clarified that he had communicated with Brown’s agent and dismissed any conspiracy theories surrounding the selection process.
He explained that the choice was driven by the need to find the right balance and pieces for the team.Â
Hill stood by the decision, highlighting that Derrick White perfectly fit the team’s requirements. Despite Jaylen Brown’s stellar 2023-24 season, which culminated in him being named the Finals MVP, Hill believed that White’s skills and role were more aligned with what Team USA needed.Â
