Brown stays in Boston to guide new teammates and strengthen chemistry
With Jayson Tatum sidelined and several familiar faces gone, Jaylen Brown has stepped forward as the Boston Celtics’ vocal leader. The four-time All-Star, fresh off a championship season and Finals MVP honor in 2024, is embracing the responsibility of guiding a roster in transition.
Unlike previous summers, when travel often dominated his offseason, Brown chose to remain in Boston this year. His focus has been on building trust and chemistry with the Celtics’ five new additions, ensuring they are quickly integrated into the team’s system.
“It’s a little bit sad,” Brown admitted when reflecting on the departure of longtime teammates. “We had such a great group over the past couple of years. To see some of those guys move on definitely affects us, but now we’ve got five new players we need to bring up to speed. I’m trying to expedite that chemistry so when we hit the floor, fans see a strong product.”
From quiet star to vocal mentor
Brown acknowledged that leadership didn’t always come naturally to him earlier in his career.
“I felt like I had to operate a certain way to protect myself,” he explained. “But now I’m in a place where I feel at peace. I can show more of who I am to the world, and part of that is being more open as a leader.”
At 28, Brown enters the season not only as one of Boston’s cornerstones but also as one of the NBA’s highest-paid players, set to earn $53.1 million. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists—numbers that highlight his consistent all-around impact.
A pivotal season for Boston
Brown’s evolution as a leader comes at a critical juncture for the Celtics. With Tatum recovering and a roster reshaped by offseason changes, Boston will rely heavily on Brown’s ability to keep the group steady. His commitment to fostering chemistry early could prove vital as the Celtics aim to defend their NBA title and solidify their standing as the league’s top contender.