The Boston Celtics enter the 2025-26 NBA season after a disappointing playoff exit, falling short of expectations that followed their 2024 championship. Despite returning with nearly the same roster, their campaign ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals at the hands of the New York Knicks. With major roster changes now shaping this offseason, Jaylen Brown stands as one of the few remaining stars from that title-winning core.
Brown has enjoyed sustained success with the Celtics, but he recently admitted that it hasn’t come without personal frustration. In a candid interview with Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog, Brown opened up about the sacrifices he has made for the team—often without full agreement.
“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.”
Brown has largely played in the shadow of Jayson Tatum throughout his career. That secondary role became even more pronounced after the Celtics added Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in 2023. While those moves paid off with an elusive NBA championship in 2024, they also limited Brown’s touches and creative freedom on the floor.
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 look on in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Even after winning Finals MVP, Brown made it clear he would prefer a different role—one that better reflects his skillset and standing in the league. Still, he acknowledged the importance of sacrificing for the team and its collective goals. That internal conflict continues to define his tenure in Boston.
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With Tatum likely sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs, Brown now has the opportunity to lead the franchise outright. “I feel like I’m very talented,” Brown said. “I’m one of the talented people in this league, on this planet, I feel like. I’m looking forward to showing the world more.”
That leadership role, however, comes at a time when the Celtics are undergoing significant transition. Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, and Holiday was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving Brown as the clear focal point of a restructured roster.
Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game during the 2024-25 season. With a heavier workload now on his shoulders, those numbers are expected to climb in 2025-26. The real question is whether the team can maintain its winning identity.
The Celtics have won more than 60 games in each of the past two NBA seasons, but replicating that success will be a challenge. Still, with the Eastern Conference wide open, Brown should have enough support to keep Boston in the playoff picture.
