Since the Boston Celtics were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Jaylen Brown has been a hot topic of discussion. Part of that is of Brown’s own making. He chose to livestream on Twitch, labeling this past season his “favorite” so far, and then doubled down on those comments in a subsequent livestream.
However, the level of criticism that has followed, from fans and the media alike, has been so intense that at times it’s overshadowed the fact that the NBA playoffs are still ongoing.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has aired his frustrations with Brown, sparking a back-and-forth between the two. Ex-Celtic-turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins has suggested that his contacts with former Celtics talents are unimpressed by Brown’s comments, and countless debate shows have begun to question whether Brown will be part of Boston’s rotation next season.
Some of these criticisms and talking points are a regular part of the offseason. Brown earns a sizeable salary, it’s normal for trade talk to involve him, and it’s been that way for most of his career.
However, sports commentator Craig Carton, speaking on his eponymous YouTube show, believes that Brown is getting an unfair level of coverage.
“The dude shows up for work every day,” Carton said. “He carried a Celtics team, in my opinion, to the number two seed this year, which nobody saw coming, including the Celtics. Which is why they made the moves they made. And I’m watching this thing unfold in live time. I’m saying to myself, ‘you couldn’t find a better guy or a better ball player to represent your franchise.’
There’s no guarantee Brown will start next season with the Celtics. Anything can happen in the NBA. However, the fact remains that he’s still one of Boston’s best players and is an NBA champion. If the Celtics do trade Brown, there’s only a handful of players talented enough to be considered an upgrade. Of course, that won’t slow down the rumor mill.
Thomas back in Green… as a scout
It might not have been the return to the Boston Celtics that fan-favorite point guard Isaiah Thomas initially had hoped for. But the former King in the Fourth is back in Boston as a scout, and Thomas recently related that it has been a long time coming on his “Point Game” podcast.
“It’s been in the works for a while, we’re just trying to make sure everything made sense for both sides,” said Thomas.
“(It’s) something that I always wanted to do, be a part of an organization, be a part of the front office and help make these decisions that are being made down the line,” he continued. “So this is a step in the right direction in terms of hopefully one day maybe being a GM or head of basketball operations or whatever the game of basketball takes me.
“But I want to be a part of the decision-making, and this is a step in that direction,” shared IT. “And the Celtics did right by me.”
Thomas ended a 13-year career in 2023-24 when he suited up for the Phoenix Suns. A Connecticut native, he played for Boston for more than two seasons (2014-17).
Gonzalez came close to All-Rookie team
Rookie Celtics forward Hugo Gonzalez may not have been voted onto the 2026 NBA Kia All-Rookie teams, but he did have himself a decent showing in the overall returns nonetheless.
The First Team, according to the NBA, was comprised of Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers), Kon Kneuppel (Charlotte Hornets), Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), and Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies). Flagg, Edgecombe, and Kneuppel were all unanimous First Team selections.
The Second Team was made up of Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans), Maxime Raynaud (Sacramento Kings), Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans), Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz), and Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors).
Gonzalez came in third overall among other rookies receiving votes, with five votes for the Second Team. The Madrid native came in behind both Ryan Kalkbrenner of the Hornets and Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards, and just ahead of Will Riley of the Wizards.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Celtics star Jaylen Brown says this season has been his ‘favorite’