Derrick White's huge Olympic announcement raises some eyebrows
![Victor Wembanyama, Derrick White Victor Wembanyama, Derrick White](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5239,h_2946,x_0,y_210/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/29/01j2erwhx2zwgr8en5em.jpg)
San Antonio's favorite son has been selected for Team USA as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard, who withdrew at the request of the Clippers and Team USA's leadership. Everything has been coming up roses for Derrick White lately. He was an instrumental player for the Boston Celtics, who secured a league-leading 18th championship trophy. Not too long after, he received a four-year, 118 million-dollar contract with $7 million in incentives.
When factoring in this recent development, it truly has been the 'Summer of Derrick White' and Spurs nation couldn't be happier for him. Most fans are happy for White because he's a good person, works hard on the court, and carries himself like a professional. But when you are elevated to a team like that one, someone else is being left off, and Jaylen Brown has taken notice of his omission.
🧐🧐🧐
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 10, 2024
Jaylen Brown is right to question this decision
Brown seems like a standup guy, so it likely goes without question that he is happy for his teammate. But two things can be true and it is reasonable for the first/second-best player on the championship team to wonder why he continues to be excluded. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are widely considered somewhere between 3-5 in the pecking order in Boston, depending on what you think about Kristaps Porzingis. When you think about it that way, the decision is egregiously disrespectful.
Brown was the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and the NBA Finals MVP. He finished the season averaging 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. As strong of a defender as White is, Brown is just as dynamic on that end of the floor. White is an awesome player, and seeing him receive this honor makes us all proud, but if we're going to be honest about it, Brown should be the one replacing Kawhi Leonard. With that being said, he'll be fine. San Antonio supports the committee's decision. Make us proud, Derrick.
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