Jaylen Brown Stays Silent on Olympic Refusal, Accepts ESPY Award for Best League Performance

NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown made a dramatic appearance at the ESPY Awards, arriving arm-in-arm with WNBA star Kysre Gondrezick. The Boston Celtics star and the WNBA guard posed for photos on the red carpet, with Brown wearing an all-black ensemble and black sunglasses, while Gondrezick wore a revealing black patterned dress. Their arrival together seemed to confirm the dating rumors that had been swirling since Gondrezick was spotted riding the same bus as Brown during the Celtics’ NBA championship parade.

In addition to their red carpet appearance, the couple was also spotted getting ready together for the event. Photos obtained by TMZ Sports showed them on a hotel balcony before heading to the Dolby Theatre. Gondrezick, who previously dated former NBA point guard Kevin Porter Jr., and Brown, who was recently linked to model Bernice Burgos, have been the subject of much speculation regarding their relationship.

Brown also brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy with him to the red carpet, celebrating the Celtics’ historic 18th NBA title after beating the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Despite talk of being left off the U.S. Olympic basketball team, Brown remained dismissive when asked about it during the red carpet spectacle. Instead, he focused on the positive, receiving the ESPY for Best Championship Performance during the ceremony.

Brown’s performance in the NBA Finals was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists, proving his worth and justifying his five-year, $304 million supermax contract extension with the Celtics in 2023. His efforts helped lead Boston to its 18th NBA title, a feat that earned him the prestigious ESPY Award.

The night was not without controversy, however. Brown’s exclusion from the U.S. Olympic basketball team in favor of Boston teammate Derrick White sparked discussion. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who has criticized Brown in the past, took the opportunity to celebrate Brown’s refusal to play in the Olympics, suggesting it was evidence of Brown’s marketability problem. Smith pointed to the disconnect between Brown’s lucrative contract and his inability to make the U.S. team, questioning how a player of Brown’s caliber could be overlooked.

Brown, for his part, appears to believe his exclusion was influenced by Nike, the Olympic team’s official apparel partner. Brown, who does not have a contract with Nike and has been critical of the brand, took to social media to vent his frustration, suggesting that Nike’s influence played a role in the decision.

USA Basketball CEO Grant Hill, however, dismissed Brown’s insinuations. Hill said White was chosen because he fits in well with the team’s current roster. Hill noted that White’s role on Team USA would be similar to his role with the Celtics, where he plays alongside Brown and Jayson Tatum. Hill stressed the importance of having players who can complement others and excel in their roles.

Despite his Olympic rejection, Brown focused on his accomplishments and the recognition he received at the ESPYs. His acceptance of the ESPY for Best Championship Performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Brown’s performance in the NBA Finals not only secured a title for the Celtics, but also solidified his status as one of the best players in the league.

As the evening wore on, Brown’s relationship with Gondrezick continued to generate interest. Their public appearance together at the ESPYs seemed to confirm the relationship rumors, adding a personal highlight to Brown’s professional accomplishments. The pair’s chemistry was evident as they posed for photos and enjoyed the event together.

In conclusion, Jaylen Brown’s night at the ESPY Awards was a mix of professional recognition and personal revelations. While he remained silent on his Olympic snub, his acceptance of the ESPY for Best Championship Performance highlighted his contribution to the Celtics’ historic title run. His relationship with Kysre Gondrezick added a personal touch to the night, making it a memorable night for the NBA star.

Source: TMZ Sports, ESPN, USA Basketball