Jaylen Brown: 'I disagree' with how Celtics have used me

2024 Boston Celtics Finals MVP Jaylen Brown got surprisingly candid about his nine-year tenure with the franchise during an expansive new summer interview with Noa Dalzell of SB Nation.

“It’s been a long journey here in Boston,” Brown said. “I’ve had to deal with a lot. I feel like I haven’t been able to be myself in certain capacities — because of the politics, and because maybe people feel uncomfortable with who I am.”

Brown has been an oftentimes outspoken advocate for social change. An MIT Media Lab fellow in 2019, Brown created the Bridge Program — a mentorship program for Boston-area students of color looking explore STEM program careers. He has strived to use his platform to deal with income inequality and education disparities.

On the court, too, Brown explains that he's been frustrated with some of the ways the Celtics have used him.

“I disagree with a lot of things,” Brown said. “I’ve had to change roles, styles. I’ve had to do things that other players of my talent just haven’t had to do, and I’ve been okay with them, because I’ve always been a team guy. I feel like sometimes that gets taken for granted.”

During his first few seasons in the league, Brown was coached by now-general manager Brad Stevens, and saw his role fluctuate as he adjusted to more established All-Stars like Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving and Al Horford.

Now, the Celtics belong to Brown and six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum.

Last year with the Celtics, the 6-foot-6 University of California at Berkeley product averaged 22.2 points on .463/.324/.764 shooting splits, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while making his fourth All-Star team. The 28-year-old likely would have been a prime contender to notch his second All-NBA honor, but missed out by only playing in 63 contests due to injuries. Players need to be available for 65 or more games to be named to an All-NBA team.

Boston has appeared in two NBA Finals in the last four seasons, winning in 2024.

“I’m extremely grateful that we won a championship,” Brown said. “I’m extremely grateful that we’ve been able to have success, and that’s what it’s about. It’s not all about you, it’s not all about me, you know what I mean? I want the next generation to know that as well — it’s okay to play your role on the team. It’s okay to do whatever, but don’t let that define you.”

At 28, he has absolutely come into his own. Next season, he has an opportunity to shine brighter than ever, as Tatum will miss most — if not all — of 2025-26 while he recuperates from an Achilles tendon tear suffered during Boston's eventual second round playoff series loss to the New York Knicks.

MORE NEWS: Celtics could be considering multiple drastic trades for one key reason