As the Boston Celtics brace for a challenging 2025-26 NBA season without superstar Jayson Tatum, four-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown has delivered a heartfelt promise to the passionate Celtics fanbase. Speaking at the Got Sole shoe convention in Worcester, Massachusetts, on August 23, 2025, Brown energized the crowd with a resolute message: “We’re not gonna let y’all down, so let’s have a great season.”
The pledge comes at a pivotal moment for the Celtics, who are navigating a turbulent offseason following Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks. With Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season, Brown steps into the spotlight as Boston’s primary offensive leader for the first time in his nine-year career.
“We know it looks gloomy right now,” Brown acknowledged after the Celtics’ playoff elimination in May, addressing the team’s challenges. “But it’s a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end.” His words reflect a determination to keep Boston competitive in a wide-open Eastern Conference, despite the loss of key players like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet, as well as uncertainty surrounding veteran Al Horford’s future.
Brown, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a career-high 4.5 assists per game last season while battling a partially torn meniscus, is no stranger to adversity. His standout performance in Game 5 against the Knicks—26 points, eight rebounds, and a playoff-career-high 12 assists—demonstrated his ability to thrive as the team’s top option. Historically, Brown has averaged 28.1 points on 49.3% shooting in games without Tatum since the 2021-22 season, offering hope that he can carry the offensive load.
“I feel like I’m one of the most talented people in this league, on this planet,” Brown declared in a recent interview with CelticsBlog’s Noa Dalzell. “I’m looking forward to showing the world more.” His confidence is bolstered by a career that includes three straight All-Star selections and a $304 million supermax contract, the richest in NBA history at the time of signing.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy. The Celtics, under pressure to manage a hefty luxury tax bill, traded Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, reshaping a roster that won the 2024 NBA Championship. NBA insider Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report predicted efficiency struggles for Brown, citing his inconsistent three-point shooting and durability concerns, as he hasn’t played more than 70 games in a season since 2018-19.
Despite the skepticism, Brown’s two-way potential and playmaking strides—evidenced by his career-best 4.5 assists per game last season—position him to silence doubters. Celtics president Brad Stevens has reportedly set a high trade threshold for Brown and Derrick White, signaling confidence in Brown’s ability to lead alongside White and rising stars like Payton Pritchard.
As the Celtics prepare for their season opener, Brown’s leadership and performance will be under intense scrutiny. His promise to fans reflects not only his commitment to Boston but also his ambition to redefine his legacy as a true No. 1 option. With the Eastern Conference ripe for competition, Brown has a golden opportunity to prove he can keep the Celtics in playoff contention and set the stage for Tatum’s return in 2026-27.
Celtics Nation is ready to rally behind their star. Will Brown deliver on his promise and lead Boston to a surprising season? The journey begins in October.
