Team USA had a minor issue to take care of a couple of weeks ago when Kawhi Leonard, one of the many NBA stars and superstars who committed to make the trip to Paris for the Summer Olympics, withdrew from the team.
It went ahead and replaced him with Derrick White, a do-everything complementary player who just won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.
However, plenty of people felt that his teammate Jaylen Brown, the reigning Finals MVP who has made the All-Star team three times and in both of the last two seasons, was snubbed by not getting the spot.
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony recently said on the “Podcast P with Paul George” show that he feels Brown should’ve at least been considered for Leonard’s spot.
Jaylen Brown not getting a shot at making Team USA’s Olympic roster rubbed Melo the wrong way.@ATT pic.twitter.com/taqieLljua
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) July 22, 2024
Brown is an established star wing who has averaged at least 23.0 points per game in each of the last four seasons, and he’s considered a plus defender as well.
On the other hand, there is an argument to be made that Team USA has more than enough stars and superstars in order to win the gold medal.
What it may need more of is players whom some call “connectors” — players who aren’t necessarily always looking to score, but will simply make the right basketball play on a consistent basis.
They’re the type of players who will focus on defense, making the right pass, creating additional transition opportunities, boxing out and setting picks, among other non-glamorous activities.
White is exactly that type of player, and if Team USA wins it all, he will be a significant reason why.
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