"Jaylen Brown punching the air rn"- Hoops fans react as Derrick White's pic with Celtics co-stars in Team USA practice goes viral 

Memes hit as Derrick White
Memes hit as Derrick White's pic with Celtics co-stars in Team USA practice goes viral (Images via NBA X, Jaylen Brown's IG)

Kawhi Leonard's Team USA replacement, Derrick White, joined Celtics co-stars Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday for the USA Basketball Showcase games in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. White's inclusion wasn't as welcomed by many fans. They felt his Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown should have gotten the nod.

Brown himself critiqued the decision to leave him home for the Paris Olympics, despite having the credentials and skills to fit on this star-studded roster. Brown felt he was wronged because of Nike, who he's had run-ins with in the past. The brand is sponsoring the kits for the USA at the Olympics.

With that background in mind, USA basketball fans reacted to Derrick White's viral pic with Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday posted by the NBA's official X/Twitter account.

One user joked about Jaylen Brown 'punching the air' in frustration after seeing the post.

Another added that Team USA nearly had all their American starters on the lineup but the one who was the best player in the NBA Finals.

More reactions followed:

Reactions on White's pic with Tatum and Holiday part 1
Reactions on White's pic with Tatum and Holiday part 1
Reactions on White's pic with Tatum and Holiday part 2
Reactions on White's pic with Tatum and Holiday part 2

Jaylen Brown refuses to speak at length on Team USA snub

Jaylen Brown called out Nike and deleted the tweet after his Team USA snub. He was the ESPYs, so many could ask him questions about this situation, but Brown didn't go too deep into his answers. He hinted that there's more to it when responding to an interviewee about his thoughts on the support he has gotten.

"One day I'll share my story," Brown said. "People don't have all the information in the world that they would like to know."

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton also tried getting the scoop from Jaylen Brown, but the Celtics star didn't spill much.

“I ain't really got no comment. I got my beautiful date right here," Brown said pointing towards former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick.

While Brown's Team USA snub has raised questions over the political nature of his omission from the team, some believe Derrick White as a replacement was a viable option.

The Americans already have several stars who can be dominant with the ball. However, they needed some glue guys, too. Jrue Holiday was the only player in that category for them until Kawhi Leonard's departure.

Team USA also don't boast enough perimeter defenders with great foot speed, so White could help negate some of those issues. He's also a reliable offensive player, so leaving Brown out may not have much ramifications for the USA.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje