In an interview, USA Basketball head Grant Hill reiterated that the decision to leave Jaylen Brown off the team for Paris 2024 was purely based on basketball reasons.

Grant Hill previously dismissed the rumors of the national team’s technical sponsor influencing the decision as “conspiracy theories.” The MVP of the last Finals responded sharply on Twitter: “It’s disappointing that Grant Hill calls me a conspiracy theorist.”

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have started, but the roster decisions by Team USA head Grant Hill remain controversial. Specifically, the exclusion of Jaylen Brown, MVP of the last Finals, continues to spark debate. Brown was left out of the 12-player roster and overlooked again when Kawhi Leonard needed to be replaced, his teammate Derrick White chosen instead.

Grant Hill addressed the issue on the Dan Patrick Show, explaining: “I talked to Brown’s agent, though I can’t remember if it was before or after things got out of hand on Twitter. The idea of a conspiracy theory…

I don’t mind a well-made conspiracy theory, but this was purely a basketball decision, although a tough one. Facing a FIBA competition, we had to find the right balance and the right pieces we need on the court.” Steve Kerr faced a similar situation, leaving Jayson Tatum out of the first game against Serbia.

After seeing Hill’s comments, Jaylen Brown quickly responded on Twitter: “It’s disappointing that Grant Hill calls me a conspiracy theorist. I’ve been a vice president for the players’ association since I was 21. I understand very well what’s going on.”

Brown had suggested that the decision was influenced by the national team’s technical sponsor, which he has often criticized and currently doesn’t have a personal endorsement deal with, despite playing with their logo in the NBA.