Jaylen Brown Named All-Star Starter for First Time in Career: “I’ve Always Felt Like One of the Better Players in This Game”
DETROIT - Jaylen Brown found out he was an All-Star starter the way a lot of us find out big news these days - by waking up to a phone full of messages. Except in Brown’s case, those texts came with a little more weight: for the first time in his 10-year NBA career, he’s headed to the All-Star Game as a starter.
Brown was catching his usual midday nap ahead of Monday night’s game against the Pistons when the announcement dropped. By the time he opened his eyes, his phone was buzzing with congratulations from family and friends. And while Brown has never been one to chase outside validation, he made it clear this moment meant a lot - especially for the people who’ve been in his corner since day one.
“I think that’s who it matters most for - my support group,” Brown said. “I think it means a lot to them to see me celebrated in that light now.”
Brown earned his starting nod the hard way - through the respect of his peers and those who cover the game. Among Eastern Conference players, he received the most votes from media members, the third-most from NBA players, and the fifth-most from fans. That combination pushed him just ahead of Donovan Mitchell for the final starting spot in the East.
He’ll now join a starting five that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, and Cade Cunningham when the All-Star Game tips off next month in Los Angeles.
But true to form, Brown kept the moment in perspective. For him, this wasn’t about finally being seen - it was about continuing to show what he’s always believed.
“I’ve always felt like, regardless of what people may think or whatever, that I’ve been one of the better players in this game,” he said. “Just now, I’ve got an opportunity to show it a little more.”
When asked if the All-Star starter label felt like validation, Brown didn’t hesitate.
“I’m a very confident guy,” he said. “I don’t allow other people to tell me what my validation is. I always felt like I was better than a lot of these guys.”
A Greener Light, A Bigger Role, and a Career Year
Brown’s confidence isn’t just talk - it’s backed up by production. He’s averaging 29.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game this season, while shooting 48.7% from the field, 36.3% from deep, and nearly 80% from the free-throw line. That’s elite-level efficiency, especially for a player who’s shouldering a heavy offensive load.
One big reason for the leap? Freedom. Brown says he’s finally being trusted to play his game - particularly in the midrange, an area where he’s quietly become one of the league’s most effective scorers.
“I was discouraged from taking midrange shots at different points in my career,” he said last week. “I’ve been literally told not to.
Now it’s like, ‘Jaylen, you can take whatever shot you want.’ I’m like, ‘Sure.’
I’ve been shooting as many mid-ranges as I can get up. At different points in my career, that hasn’t been the case.”
That shift in philosophy has unlocked a new level of offensive versatility for Brown, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Celtics’ coaching staff. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Brown not just for his scoring, but for the way he’s approached the season from the jump - setting a tone in the locker room and evolving as a leader.
“Really happy for him - it started in the offseason, just the way he approached it,” Mazzulla said Monday. “The professionalism, the work ethic, the commitment to 1) getting healthy, to 2) coming in and setting the tone for the building and working with each guy separately.”
Celtics Heating Up as Season Turns Toward the Stretch Run
Boston currently sits at 26-16, good for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and third-best net rating in the league. They’ve been one of the most balanced teams in the NBA, and Brown’s consistent production has been a major driver of that success.
But for Brown, this season is about more than personal accolades. He’s locked in on the bigger picture - helping the Celtics grow, develop, and peak at the right time.
“I’ve enjoyed being with this group, I’ve enjoyed playing with the young guys, helping with their learning curve,” Brown said. “It’s been a joy.
I’m looking forward to the next part of the season. We still have some work to do.”
Jaylen Brown may have just earned his first All-Star starting spot, but if you ask him, he’s been playing at this level for years. Now, with the green light to fully be himself on the floor - and a team that’s rounding into form - he’s making sure the rest of the league sees it too.