If you play for the Celtics, you pretty much have permission to say whatever you want, especially if you were played a fundamental role in the team’s championship run last season like Jaylen Brown did. The Boston star recently talked about the importance of availability if you want your team to thrive in the NBA.
Without mentioning any names, the Finals MVP called out players like Joel Embiid for not competing in back-to-back games, as the guard believes that this is a requirement for leading a team to the top of the league. In a recent interview, the All-Star explained his position, which resonated around the NBA.
“I try to always be there as a leader for our group and make myself available,” he said following Boston’s 108-89 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday. His words were backed up by his actions that night, as he had been battling with illness in the days prior to that match, and still made the effort to play.
Brown knows availability is the best ability as the Celtics look to repeat as NBA champions. https://t.co/uVDWqO2TYe
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 3, 2024
“Back-to-backs are tough on the body and the mind,” Jaylen assured. “But as you are looking to do something special, those are the moments you gotta kinda accept. It’s hard for teams to be great if some of their best players never play back-to-backs.”
The 28-year-old explained how sacrifices are needed to be made if you wish to push your way through mental and physical challenges, or at least that is what he learned after contributing with an essential role in the Celtics’ title run during the past campaign.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that players are flesh and bone, just like the rest of us. For example, Jaylen missed Sunday’s match against the Cavaliers due to illness, and had to witness his team lose 115 to 111 that evening. This is why he made it a priority to return to action on Monday.
“These games matter, even though we’re in December and we want to play into late June, these games matter,” Brown said. “I just had to push through it… Trying to miss as few games as possible is important for our group. Even when you’re not feeling well, to show that you’re still available, I think kinda sets the tone for your team to have the same type of mindset.”
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently compared the Sixers’s current season to the Titanic by saying ‘that ship has sunk’
Philadelphia’s disappointing seasons so far has not gone unnoticed, as fans and experts have both been making fun of their troubles. On a recent broadcast, Charles Barkley forgot to mince his words as he urged the former league MVP to own up to his actions. “You can’t be late. Joel has to own that,” the 61-year-old stressed, stating that the player should act as a role model to his locker room.
However, Chuck admitted to being impressed over the fact that this private issue was leaked in the first place. “Joel has to own being late all the time, but that should have never gotten to the press,” the former Philadelphia star said, surprised about this outcome.
“Whoever leaked that to the press needs to be punched in the face,” Barkley shared about the importance of remaining confidential within team meetings. “When you’re in those meetings, they’re very personal. You can’t tell secrets from a team meeting, especially when you’re calling out a guy like that.”
The 30-year-old center has faced many setbacks this season, as it has not only been about the injuries that have plagued him and limited his availability. Not too long ago, the player was involved in an incident with a media member that led to a three-game suspension.
