Although Team USA is just two wins away from a gold medal in Paris, many still can’t get over the drama that unfolded during the selection process. When Kawhi withdrew, it opened a whole new Pandora’s box as USA Basketball selected Derrick White over reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. As expected, Managing Director Grant Hill was heavily criticized for his decision. Undeterred by the criticism, the NBA legend brings a new twist to the story. He made a shocking revelation about a phone call he had to make with several superstars, including JB, before the team’s public announcement.

Hill defended himself. “It was disappointing, but you have to do your job. You have to do the job as well as you can. I tried to do it right.” he said. Hill then revealed that Jaylen Brown and other well-known stars had already been informed of the final decision. “When we first released the roster in April, before it was announced, I called certain people. I called Paul George, I called Damian Lillard, I called Jaylen Brown. I felt like they had a certain level of standing and deserved to know before it was made public.”

Although Brown and Hill have not seen eye to eye since the rebuff, the CEO claimed their phone conversation went relatively well. “I appreciated their willingness to be part of it, but I also wanted to show them how difficult it was,” he said on Open barrel. Although Brown was considered the biggest loser this year, Paul George recently announced that he, too, hopes to make the U.S. team.

After a game against the Warriors, Steve Kerr reportedly asked PG if he would be interested in joining the team. “Yes, I want to play, so I think I’m in. I think I belong in that group.” PG said to Carmelo Anthonys 7pm in Brooklyn Capsule.

Unlike Brown, PG has already represented Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he averaged 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds and led the basketball team to a gold medal. However, he revealed that he only learned he would not get the chance in Paris after facing Grant Hill in the NBA Finals.

“So, I get it. Obviously, I’m not going to be mad about it, but at the same time, damn, I was excited to represent the U.S. and be part of this team.” PG noted. Likewise, many could argue that Dame deserved a spot as well, as he also helped Team USA win gold in Tokyo after averaging 11.2 points and over 3 assists in the tournament. While PG and Dame didn’t take the snub personally, the same cannot be said for Jaylen Brown, judging by his social media behavior.

Grant Hill left the door open for Jaylen Brown

Shortly after being turned down, JB publicly blamed Nike for the situation, as his relationship with the sneaker giants was strained. Grant Hill refuted this theory in an interview, saying: “I think this idea that there’s a conspiracy theory … I always love a good conspiracy theory, but it really was a basketball decision and those are difficult decisions.” Brown was obviously not happy with Hill’s disrespect and reprimanded him for X.

“It’s disappointing that Grant Hill calls me a conspiracy theorist. I’ve been vice president since I was 21 years old. I have a lot of understanding.” As expected, these interactions give the impression that their relationship has been irreparably damaged.

However, on Rachel Nichol’s show, Hill revealed that he was ready to bury the hatchet with the Celtics star. “It was very loud. I’m confident that at some point he and I will sit down and talk about it and come to some understanding.” he said reassuringly. More importantly, although Grant didn’t make the cut this year despite being named MVP of the Finals, he sees Jaylen Brown as a future representative for the United States. “If he wants, he will be candidate 28.”

With the next Olympics being held in LA, many of the current team’s veteran superstars like LeBron James, KD and Steph Curry have hung up their boots by then. And this could be Jaylen’s chance to secure a spot on the roster alongside fellow running back Jayson Tatum and other young superstars.

As for the controversy, Grant Hill wants to keep things professional. “One thing I’ve learned is that in this role you can’t take anything personally.”

Do you think Jaylen Brown should compete in the 2028 Olympics after the disrespect he has received this year?

Before you go, don’t forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger