The Celtics seem to be on the right track again following recent comments made by Jaylen Brown and back-to-back victories.
In an interview with The Ringer this past week, the All-Star wing spoke about his pending future in Boston to which he said such things like; "It's not up to me" and "I will stay where I'm wanted." Brown of course was asked to clarify what he meant exactly as it relates to his expiring contract come the summer of 2024.
"I think sometimes when people write articles, they get taken out of context at times," Brown said in his postgame presser Tuesday night after the C's win over the Sacramento Kings, "especially when writers have their own agendas or whatever. For me personally, thinking about clarifying things that have been recently said. But other than that, I'm focused on my team. I'm focused on playing basketball and focused on winning games."
On Friday, after the Celtics' 120-95 win over the Indiana Pacers, Jayson Tatum was asked how he made Brown "feel at ease," during a reported three-way call between the two teammates and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens -- when it was rumored a trade package may have been offered for Kevin Durant last offseason.
"Just reassuring the obvious that we need him and he's a big part of this team, this franchise," Tatum said his postgame comments. "Without him, we can't reach our goal. You guys know that, the world knows that, the team knows that we need him to be the best version of ourselves."
Brown (26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists) and Tatum (30.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists) have led the Celtics to a 51-23 record so far this season -- two games behind the first place Bucks at 53-21 in the East.
Boston's goal isn't just to make it back to NBA Finals, but this time to hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy, which may be a deciding factor for Brown to stick around beyond next summer. Still, a lot can change in a year or so, including also getting a supermax contract if Brown were to make an All-NBA Team this season.
"Sometimes it don't matter what you're gonna say, people are going to take it from the perspective they want to take it from," Brown said post-game Friday night. "That's the world we live in. People feed off of controversy and controversy sells -- so if I have an opportunity to make something sound more appealing than it actually is, usually nine-times out of 10 they're going to take it -- that's the life that we live and that comes with the job and territory.
"I'm not complaining," Brown added, "but just having an understanding of it, not letting it affect you, clarify myself when I need to and sometimes you just sweep stuff under the rug and keep going."
With eight games left in the regular season, the Celtics host the San Antonio Spurs Sunday, before heading to Washington D.C. and Milwaukee come Tuesday and Thursday respectfully.
Joel Pavón
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