USA Basketball defends Jaylen Brown snub from Paris Olympics

In a news conference on Wednesday, Team USA executive director Grant Hill was asked about Brown's tweets and whether the Celtics wing was considered for a roster spot.   

"You get 12 spots, and you have to build a team," Hill said, via ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "And one of the hardest things is leaving people off the roster that I'm a fan of that I look forward to watching throughout the season, throughout the playoffs. Guys who've been Finals MVPs, guys who've been a part of the program, guys who've won gold medals, guys who I respect, admire and enjoy watching. But the responsibility that I have is to put together a team and a team that complements each other, a team that fits a team that will give us the best opportunity for success." 

Hill also shot down the idea Nike played a part in the decision, suggesting that leaving anyone off the team is "the most difficult part" of his job. The Hall of Famer said "whatever theories that might be out there" are just that and that he made an informed decision in the best interest of Team USA. 

In fairness to USAB, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported last month that White would be named as a replacement player if Leonard or any other roster member were unable to travel to Paris. 

While White did not play the exhibition game against Canada on Wednesday, the ace defender is expected to join his Team USA teammates in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.