Jaylen Brown didn’t seem interested in discussing the drama surrounding the Olympic roster during his big night at the ESPY Awards.
The Celtics star — who took home the honor for Best Championship Performance in the 2024 NBA Finals — said he had “no comment” about being left off the roster for Team USA that will compete at the Paris Olympics starting July 26.
“How do you feel about the USA team right now, bro?” Cam Newton asked Brown while on the red carpet prior to the show. “Why aren’t you there? Do you feel a way?”
“I don’t really got no comment you know what I mean?” Brown said nonchalantly. “I’m here, I got my beautiful date right there.”
Brown — who was named NBA Finals MVP after the Celtics beat the Mavericks in five games to secure the franchise’s 18th championship — then turned to his right, where a man was holding the NBA Finals trophy.
“Come on, bro… He’s trying to deflect ladies and gentleman and she’s a stepper!” Newton joked.
The former NFL quarterback said, seemingly referring to Brown’s date, Gondrezick.
The pair made their red carpet debut at the 2024 ESPY Awards after the former former Sky guard supported Brown at the Celtics championship parade.
Gondrezick, who was cut by the Sky last month, sat with Brown’s mother at the show, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Brown made headlines earlier this week for his cryptic social media posts in wake of his teammate, guard Derrick White, being named as Kawhi Leonard’s replacement on the Olympic roster.
Team USA said Wednesday that the Clippers determined it was in Leonard’s best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming NBA season.
“We just felt that we had to pivot,” USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director Grant Hill said. “Not to get into the particulars in terms of what went into the decision but we just felt it was in our best interest, but also the Clippers and Kawhi’s best interest, to move into a different direction.”
Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who is on the 2024 roster for the Paris Games, took questions about Brown from reporters at Team USA training camp in Las Vegas.
“Ah, no,” Tatum said when asked if he’s talked with Brown amid the roster moves.
“Ah, yeah,” Tatum said when asked if it’s “tough” not having Brown on the Olympic roster. “I mean, there’s so many guys that could, you know, take that last spot or whatever. So, yeah, it is.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics roster features LeBron James (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Sun), Steph Curry (Warriors), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), and Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics).
The 2024 Paris Games will take place July 26-Aug. 11.
The US men’s team open group play against Serbia on July 28.
