Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Jaylen Brown hints at frustration with Boston Celtics role as he makes ‘taken for granted’ argument

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 8:16 AM ET

All may not be well between the Boston Celtics and former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

The Boston Celtics are undergoing a period of transformation. After Jayson Tatum’s brutal Achilles injury in the playoffs, the Celtics are stepping away briefly from contender status.

The Celtics moved on from Kristaps Porzingis, trading him to the Hawks. But they didn’t just stop there, as Boston also traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Players like Luke Kornet and Al Horford left the team in free agency. As part of the Lillard trade, the Celtics landed Anfernee Simons. However, the Celtics are looking to trade Simons as well.

As the team goes through what appears to be a rebuilding season, they will rely heavily on Jaylen Brown to be a leader on and off the court.

But from the sounds of his latest comments in the media, Brown might be very frustrated with the role he is saddled with on the Celtics.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Jaylen Brown on politics affecting Boston Celtics stint

Jaylen Brown spoke in an interview with Celtics Blog recently. When discussing his time with the Celtics, Brown seemed to share some previously unshared frustration.

The former All-Star revealed he has had to be a lot more reserved on the Celtics for a myriad of reasons, including politics. To the extent that his role with the team has left him dissatisfied.

“It’s been a long journey here in Boston. 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.

“I disagree with a lot of things. 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.”

Despite frustration, Jaylen Brown trying to set standard for future generations

However, Brown did acknowledge that all the sacrifices and difficulties that he has faced paid off, as he got to lead the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship.

“I’m extremely grateful that we won a championship. 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.”

Brown will be the best player on the Celtics next season, as Tatum is out injured and won’t return till the 2026-27 season.

As such, Brown will be required to set the standard for his teammates, young and old, to ensure that the Celtics’ culture doesn’t dissipate during this uncompetitive season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: