Jaylen Brown is no stranger to finding motivation and using it to elevate his game. As one of the NBA’s top players, the Boston Celtics guard has consistently turned perceived slights into fuel for his competitive fire. The latest spark? His omission from the United States men’s basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, a decision that has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.
Brown’s exclusion was particularly surprising given his recent achievements. After helping lead the Celtics to their 18th championship in the spring—a playoff run where he earned both Eastern Conference MVP and NBA Finals MVP honours—many believed he was a lock for the Olympic roster. Yet, even after Kawhi Leonard withdrew, Brown was not selected.
So, how will this snub affect Brown heading into the upcoming NBA season? Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens believes it will only push him harder.
“I think Jaylen could be on any Olympic team any given year,” Brad Stevens told The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. “He could be a featured part of those teams. I saw [USA Basketball director Grant Hill] said he’d love to sit down and talk to him about being part of that pool in ’28, whatever that may be.
“But I think Jaylen is one of the best players in the world. And one of the best things about Jaylen is whether he gets the call and makes the team or doesn’t get the call, he’s going to use it as motivation to get better. So I know he’s working and he’s excited about improving.
“I think he’ll truly embrace the challenges that come with winning last year. That’s who he’s always been. And this will probably add more fuel to his fire. But he doesn’t need much fuel added. He finds it.”
Brad Stevens confidence in Brown’s resilience and determination is well-founded. Throughout his career, Brown has shown an ability to channel disappointment into growth, using every challenge as an opportunity to elevate his game.
While Jaylen Brown might not be in Paris this summer, three of his Celtics teammates—Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday—are representing Team USA. As they prepare to face France in the gold medal game, the United States is aiming for its fifth consecutive Olympic gold in men’s basketball.
For Brown, the Olympic snub may sting, but it’s clear he’s not dwelling on it. Instead, he’s likely already thinking about how to use this setback to fuel another dominant season with the Celtics.
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