Jaylen Brown, the NBA Finals MVP, made a notable appearance at the ESPY Awards, arriving arm-in-arm with WNBA star Kysre Gondrezick. The Boston Celtics star and the WNBA shooting guard posed for pictures on the red carpet, with Brown donning an all-black ensemble and black sunglasses, while Gondrezick wore a revealing, patterned black dress. Their arrival together seemed to confirm dating rumors that had been circulating since Gondrezick was seen on the same bus as Brown during the Celtics’ NBA Championship Parade.
Aside from their red carpet appearance, the couple was also spotted preparing for the event together. Photos obtained by TMZ Sports showed them on a hotel balcony before heading to the Dolby Theatre. Gondrezick, who previously dated former NBA 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 defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Despite conversations about his exclusion from the US Olympic Basketball team, Brown remained dismissive when asked about it during the red carpet show. 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 extension with the Celtics in 2023. His efforts were instrumental in leading Boston to their 18th NBA title, a feat that earned him the prestigious ESPY award.
However, the night wasn’t without its controversies. Brown’s exclusion from the US Olympic Basketball team in favor of his Boston teammate Derrick White sparked discussions. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who has been critical of Brown in the past, took the opportunity to celebrate Brown’s Olympic snub, suggesting it was proof of Brown’s marketability problem. Smith pointed to the disconnect between Brown’s lucrative contract and his inability to make the Team USA roster, questioning how a player of Brown’s caliber could be overlooked.
Brown, on the other hand, seemed to believe that 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 express his frustration, suggesting that Nike’s influence played a role in the decision.
USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill, however, pushed back against Brown’s insinuations. Hill explained that White was chosen because he was a good fit with the current members of the team. Hill emphasized that White’s role with Team USA would be similar to his role with the Celtics, where he plays alongside Brown and Jayson Tatum. Hill highlighted the importance of having players who can complement others and stand out in their roles.
Despite the Olympic snub, Brown’s focus remained on his achievements and the recognition he received at the ESPYs. His acceptance of the ESPY for Best Championship Performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Brown’s performance in the NBA Finals not only secured a championship for the Celtics but also solidified his status as one of the top players in the league.
As the night progressed, Brown’s relationship with Gondrezick continued to be a topic of interest. Their public appearance together at the ESPYs seemed to confirm the dating rumors, adding a personal highlight to Brown’s professional achievements. The couple’s chemistry was evident as they posed for pictures 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 contributions to the Celtics’ historic title win. His relationship with Kysre Gondrezick added a personal touch to the evening, making it a memorable night for the NBA star.
Source: TMZ Sports, ESPN, USA Basketball
