Jaylen Brown calls out Stephen A. Smith's unnamed source

Brown quickly responded on social media, challenging Smith to share his source's name. However, on Monday, Brown appeared on the Stephen A. Smith show, where he finally got to call out the unnamed source for their comments. He noted how taking an anonymous approach is something he considers to be "cowardice."

"I basically wanted to say to them that I think it's cowardice. I think historically, unnamed sources have attacked some of our greats. I/we are not responsible for what they lack and design...Whether they think I'm marketable or not, I walk with God, I'm gonna be me and stand with my community in this life and the next...I never had a chance to respond or defend myself [because] one: They're never gonna reveal themselves and two: The damage is already done."

By addressing Smith's source directly, Brown can now put the situation behind him and focus on helping the Celtics contend for another championship. Whether he's liked or not, marketable or not, he's still one of the best players at his position in the world. 

Brown emerged as one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA last season. He won the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP. He was an All-Star. Brown is blazing his own trail.

The best way for Brown to prove the unnamed source wrong is by continuing to succeed at the highest levels of basketball. Because when you're successful, marketing opportunities and brand deals will undoubtedly come your way. Still, Brown was right to use his platform on Smith's show to share his opinion. He deserved the opportunity to defend himself.

Now that he's done that, it's time he turns his focus to the Celtics opening game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Because from here on out, it's business as usual.