JUST IN: Jaylen Brown Gives New Insight on Celtics Captaincy
Since the Boston Celtics traded Marcus Smart in the summer of 2023, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have stepped up as the team’s vocal and on-court leaders. Brown, the longest-tenured Celtic, and Tatum, the franchise’s biggest star, have taken on leadership responsibilities in the locker room.
However, Brown raised some eyebrows when he recently referred to himself as the team captain during a news conference. He later clarified his remarks, explaining his leadership role within the team.
“As the longest-tenured Celtic, I’ve naturally stepped into a leadership role,” Brown told CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning. “While we don’t have official captains, the team follows Jayson and me. I feel like my teammates rely on me to be a vocal leader, and I’ve embraced that—especially on the defensive end, taking on tough matchups and setting the tone.”
Last season, Brown was Boston’s best defender, often tasked with guarding top offensive threats. However, his defensive performance has shown some decline this season.
Despite that, there’s no doubt that Brown is a co-leader of this Celtics squad. He and Tatum lead by example, with Brown embracing the role of enforcer and primary vocal presence in the locker room.
Celtics Could Lose Sam Cassell
The Boston Celtics could be on the verge of losing one of their most experienced assistant coaches, as Sam Cassell has reportedly emerged as a target for Florida State University. A move to his alma mater would provide Cassell with his first opportunity as a head coach.
Cassell recently addressed the speculation in a conversation with Heavy on Sports‘ Steve Bulpett.
“Once the athletic department reaches out to me, then (FSU’s interest) is official. But they haven’t reached out to me,” Cassell told Bulpett. “The athletic director hasn’t reached out to me yet… If it’s God’s will, it’ll happen. God has a plan for me… Listen, man, I have a great life. I’m associate head coach of the Boston Celtics. It’s good livin’ right here. When I do get an opportunity on this level, I’ll be ready. I can guarantee that. I am ready. Simple.”
Losing Cassell midseason would be a significant blow to Boston’s coaching staff. However, if he believes the move is best for his career, it would make sense for him to take the leap when the opportunity arises.
Brad Stevens is Staying With The Celtics
Brad Stevens’ name always seems to surface whenever Indiana University has a head coaching vacancy, but the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations quickly shut down any speculation this time around.
Stevens recently told The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman that he has no interest in leaving the Celtics.
“BREAKING: Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told @TheFieldOf68 that he is not a candidate for the Indiana University job,” Goodman reported. “I thoroughly appreciate being a Celtic and love the people I get to work with every day.”
Stevens has molded the Celtics in his vision, assembling a championship-winning team in 2024. Given his success in the front office, it’s highly unlikely he leaves anytime soon. If he continues to build contenders, Stevens could cement himself as a Celtics legend in both coaching and management.