"Got robbed, Kerr’s a hater" - NBA fans debate Jalen Brunson’s potential role on Team USA’s 2024 Olympic roster

Team USA assembled a fantastic collection of NBA talent this past summer with a few notable exclusions, including Jalen Brunson. Brunson was left out of the last Olympic squad in favor of a backcourt consisting of Steph Curry, Jrue Holiday, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker, Derrick White, and Anthony Edwards.

Brunson, was part of the player pool before the final roster was announced but ultimately did not make the cut. Even Brunson himself said in an interview with GQ's Sam Schube that he felt like he deserved a spot on the team.

Several fans agreed with Brunson's take, and they shared these sentiments on X (formerly Twitter).

"Got robbed. Kerr’s a hater and wouldn’t have played him anyway," one person said.

"Should have been on the team over (Tyrese) Haliburton and (Derrick) White for sure," another person said.

"Def deserves it #NewYorkForever," one fan tweeted.

Meanwhile, other fans shared why they thought Brunson didn't deserve a spot on the 2024 Team USA roster.

"A defensive liability was the last thing Team USA needed," one fan said.

"I mean why put Jalen Brunson on the team we had Derrick White," another person said.

"Who would he have replaced? Even Tatum didn't get enough minutes," one person tweeted.

Jalen Brunson fractured his left hand in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers — an injury which required surgery.

Since the final roster was announced before he got hurt, it definitely would have been possible for Brunson to make the final cut. However, he likely would have been replaced as a result of his fracture and the subsequent surgery to address it.

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Jalen Brunson represented Team USA during the 2023 FIBA World Cup

While Jalen Brunson did not get a chance to suit up for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics, he already has experience on the international stage. Aside from playing in the U18 and the U19 World Cup in 2014 and 2015 respectively, Brunson also played in the FIBA World Cup in 2023.

He was on that team with Josh Hart, who was already a member of the Knicks. Mikal Bridges was also on that team but he was still with the Brooklyn Nets at that time.

Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards, who were both on the 2024 Paris Olympics roster, were also on that team. Other notable players on that team were Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Ingram, and Paolo Banchero. They were also joined by Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis Jr., Austin Reaves, and Cameron Johnson.

This squad failed to secure a medal, after falling to Canada in the bronze medal game. The Canadians won by nine points (127-118) in a thrilling game that went into overtime.

Brunson averaged 11.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He played in all eight games as a starter.

Brunson is only 28 years old and will likely get more chances to represent Team USA in international competitions in the future. If he continues to be one of the league's top offensive guards, he will definitely receive plenty of consideration to be a part of the 2028 Olympics.