The Boston Celtics made the bold decision to sign Jaylen Brown to a historic five-year $285 million contract extension in 2023. At the time, it was the largest contract in NBA history, but it was recently passed by his teammate, Jayson Tatum, who signed a $314 million deal a year later.
Speaking with an Instagram influencer, Brown discussed what it was like being one of the highest-paid players in the NBA, what the money meant to him, and how he deals with haters.
“I come from nothing,” Brown said to The School of Hard Knocks‘ Instagram page. “So it’s amazing to be able to provide for my mom, my family, I’m very blessed.”
Last season for the Celtics, Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 46.3% shooting during the regular season. After Brown won Finals MVP in Boston’s 2024 title run, Tatum suffered a torn Achilles against the New York Knicks, ending their title-defense hopes in the second round of the playoffs.
The 2024 Finals MVP’s Words Of Wisdom
Though Brown previously signed the largest contract in NBA history, he is now no longer even the highest earner on his team. Regardless, the four-time All-Star has reached peaks that fans and other players have only dreamed of. He advised on how he views haters as someone who has dealt with backlash throughout his entire career en route to becoming an icon in Boston.
“(Haters) are a part of it,” Brown added. “They don’t build statues for haters, they build statues for people that do things.”
The Celtics have more players in the Basketball Hall of Fame than any other team, and Brown winning the 2024 Finals MVP award puts him on a great pace to be yet another Boston player earning that legendary status.
Even with his success, however, Brown said he has struggled with mental health throughout his career, where things haven’t come easily.
“I‘ve dealt with anxiety, even depression. I’ve been to some very dark places. But I feel like those dark places have allowed my light to shine,” Brown said. “Never let anything break your spirit. Everybody is going to deal with adversity at some point.”
Brown’s Leap Next Season For Boston
With Tatum out for next year, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis traded, and Al Horford likely gone, Brown expects to lead a Celtics team featuring Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, and Sam Hauser.
In responding to fan questions, Jay King of The Athletic highlighted an aspect of the game that Brown will elevate next season: his passing. Brown’s assist numbers immediately increased once Tatum went out, and he expects to be one of their top playmakers next season.
“When Tatum was off the court last season, Brown averaged 9.6 assists per 100 possessions, nearly double what he averaged with his All-Star running mate alongside him. If he can sustain that production for an entire season without Tatum, Brown will change a lot of opinions about his playmaking ability,” King wrote. “He’s ready for his new responsibilities…Don’t be surprised if he leads the Celtics in assists. One way or another, he should learn plenty on the job in his new role.”
For Brown, the scoring is there. He’s averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the last six seasons, but according to King, passing is where he can make a leap. Brown previously averaged a career-high 4.5 assists last season, but with a career average of just 2.6 per game, there is room for improvement.
The Celtics are going to look a lot different next year compared to their title-defending roster last season. Brown will have an elevated role, as it will be his first year as Boston’s number one option, so a rise in all major statistics is likely.
