Celtics' Jaylen Brown Announces Development Before 76ers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 3:26 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are heading into the 2025–26 season without title expectations for the first time in nearly a decade. After superstar Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles during last year’s playoff run, Boston shed payroll with his availability uncertain for the upcoming season. With a reshaped roster built around younger, unproven players, Jaylen Brown will be expected to take over as the Celtics’ primary scoring option and keep the team competitive in Tatum’s absence.

Brown will be entering his 10th NBA season after being selected third overall by Boston in the 2016 NBA Draft. Last year, the 28-year-old wing earned his third consecutive All-Star selection. He appeared in 63 games as a starter, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.3% from the field and 32.4% from 3-point range.

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown.© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

As Brown prepares for the regular-season opener on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, his availability has become a concern. During Boston’s final preseason game on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors, Brown exited after just seven minutes, scoring seven points and collecting two rebounds before suffering a left hamstring injury. He was unable to return after being evaluated by team trainers.

Brown has since returned to practice, though only as a limited participant. With the regular season just two days away, he provided an update on his status. Brown said he feels great but will take it one day at a time regarding his availability for Wednesday, reported Jay King of The Athletic. It is a positive sign for Boston, as the setback does not appear serious, though Brown may still need to clear final tests before playing.

Jaylen Brown said as of now he feels great but he’ll take it one day at a time regarding his availability for Wednesday.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) October 20, 2025

His availability is more crucial than ever as he steps into a larger role facilitating Boston’s offense. While Payton Pritchard and Derrick White are also expected to take on expanded roles, Brown’s workload will increase the most.

He has already built an accomplished career, earning All-NBA honors in the 2022–23 season and winning both Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP in 2023–24 during Boston’s championship run. Brown enters the season balancing recovery and responsibility, with Boston relying on him to set the tone from day one.

The Celtics host the 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday in the season opener.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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