The Boston Celtics may have exited the playoffs earlier than expected, but Jaylen Brown gave this fanbase plenty to appreciate throughout the season. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for a significant stretch, Brown carried the offense, averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, and helped Boston defy expectations in the Eastern Conference.
On Sunday, Brown was named to the All-NBA Second Team. His teammate wasted no time making his feelings known.
Tatum Shouts Out Brown on Instagram
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Tatum took to Instagram to share the All-NBA Second Team graphic for Brown, a public show of support from his long-time teammate and running mate. The post captured the respect between the two stars and offered a clear signal of where Tatum stands amid the offseason noise surrounding Brown’s future with the organization.
In a league where silence can sometimes speak volumes, Tatum’s decision to publicly celebrate his co-star was anything but neutral. With trade rumors linking Brown to a potential deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo swirling in recent weeks, Tatum’s gesture carried significant weight. It served as a direct and unmistakable message: the partnership remains strong.
Brown’s Candid Reaction
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Brown addressed the honor during his livestream Sunday evening, in the midst of his ongoing public back-and-forth with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
“I’m surprised I’m on any team, let alone first or second,” Brown said. He added that he was grateful for the recognition. His willingness to speak his mind has not always made him popular with voters and media members alike.
The comment reflected a difficult few weeks for Brown, who drew criticism after calling this past season his favorite despite the Celtics losing in seven games to the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown previously won a championship and Finals MVP with a healthy Tatum alongside him. Smith used the remark to question Brown’s motivations and suggested he might prefer a situation where he is the clear top option. Brown pushed back, and the two went back and forth publicly. He also picked up a fine for comments about officiating during the series.
Later in the stream, Brown kept it simple and sincere: “I’m grateful. God is the greatest.” “I’m not the most liked… Sometimes I use my platform a little controversially… I’m surprised I win awards at all sometimes.”
What the Honor Reflects
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Despite the external noise, the All-NBA selection accurately reflects what Brown accomplished on the floor. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three. He was the driving force behind a Celtics team that finished 56-26 and earned the No. 2 seed in the East — largely without its best player for large portions of the year.
The case for First Team was extremely competitive. The first team consisted of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and Cade Cunningham. Brown came just short in a crowded field of elite talent.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2025-26 Kia All-NBA Team.
Final Word for the Celtics
Tatum posted. Brown acknowledged the recognition with characteristic honesty.
Whatever comes next this offseason, Brown had a season worth celebrating. His teammate made sure everyone saw it — loud and clear. In an environment filled with speculation and noise, Tatum’s public support may be the most telling signal yet about the future of Boston’s core duo.