Jaylen Brown Shades Stephen A. Smith with T-Shirt at Celtics Parade
Jaylen Brown proved he didn’t forget ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith’s critique during the Eastern Conference Finals. Back in May, Smith quoted an NBA source criticizing Brown’s marketability and character on "First Take." The source claimed Brown wasn’t liked because of his supposed "I-am-better-than-you" attitude, which they said hindered his marketability. Responding to this, Brown took to X, making his discontent clear.
Fast forward to the Celtics’ championship parade, and Brown made a statement again. Sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with "State Your Source," he subtly clapped back at Smith’s earlier comments. There’s little doubt about Brown’s marketability now, especially after he helped the Celtics clinch their record 18th championship with an NBA Finals victory over the Dallas Mavericks. His performance in the Finals was stellar, earning him the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award. Brown averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, showcasing his all-around abilities.
With this championship run, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics silenced many critics. Their triumphant journey in 2024 only added to the sweetness of the victory, cementing Brown’s status as a top-tier player. This latest episode serves as a compelling reminder that players don’t forget criticisms, and sometimes, they respond in the most public ways possible.