The falling out came to light when Team USA chose Derrick White over Finals MVP to replace Kawhi Leonard. Jaylen Brown had publicly accused Nike of playing a role in his non-selection for the Olympics, in response to his support for Kyrie Irving when the latter was “cut” by the swoosh brand.
These accusations have been repeatedly denied by Grant Hill, the GM of Team USA. First by ironizing the fact that he himself had played for the United States with Fila on his feet. Then, by explaining that the decision was purely sporting, and that it is a question of “balance” in the squad, and that there was no anti-Brown plan.
A breakup as a metaphor?
It's unclear whether Jaylen Brown was convinced by Grant Hill's explanations, but it's hard not to think of Nike when discovering this song with A$AP Ferg, entitled Just Do It. While he never mentions the brand's name down to the comma, Jaylen Brown nevertheless uses Nike's famous slogan, and the beginning of the clip shows him in front of a news flash that mentions his non-selection for the Olympic Games.
In the clip, Jaylen Brown is shown receiving a breakup message (like his breakup with Team USA?) but he assures that ” Balling ain't the only thing I know ” namely, “Playing basketball is not the only thing he knows.”
Before him, Damian Lillard had already settled his scores in song, and the Bucks leader has nothing to fear: he remains the best rapper among athletes.
