In the modern NBA, few players are as intellectually curious or as fiercely competitive as Jaylen Brown. Coming off a historic campaign that saw him hoist both the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award, Brown has entered a new stratosphere of superstardom. Yet, even with the hardware to prove his worth, the Boston Celtics wing remains acutely aware of the narratives that surround him and his team.
While critics predicted a massive regression for the roster—with some even pegging them for a sub-40 win season, Brown has led a resilient charge, proving that his “champion” status is not just a title, but a permanent state of mind.
I caught up with the Finals MVP to discuss his “red pill” perspective on the game, the legendary mentorship of Tracy McGrady and the one viral moment that had the whole league talking: the “Beijing hair dye” that left its mark on more than just the box score.
Q&A With Jaylen Brown
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You’ve had a historic run lately, but there’s always a conversation about whether you’re getting your “just due.” Do you feel like you’re finally being recognized the way you should be?
Jaylen Brown: Do I feel like it? I don’t even care what people feel, you know what I mean? I’m just coming out like I feel that there’s been some disrespect at times because I play team basketball in part of winning groups and sometimes people take it for granted. So people didn’t believe it. I know what I’m doing now and that’s fine because I’m still learning and figuring it out so the best is still yet to come.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: When you look back at your development, who were some of those playmaking swingmen you watched that inspired your game?
Jaylen Brown: Growing up? T-Mac. Tracy McGrady. 6’8” point guard, can score the ball from anywhere but also can pick apart a defense. T-Mac was my guy. He was a mentor of mine and so, in the summertime I get to hang out with him and just talk. He’s been a key part in my life, having given me great advice over the years.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: A lot of people outside of Boston seemed surprised when you were named NBA Finals MVP. How did you process that reaction?
Jaylen Brown: Yeah I kind of like… if there was ever a basketball matrix, I think I probably took the red pill versus other people who took the blue pill and I think there are people who took the blue pill more than the red.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Heading into this season, many experts left the Celtics for dead, predicting a major slide. Now you guys are sitting near the top of the East again. Why do you think the doubt was so loud?
Jaylen Brown: I don’t know. I have no idea, you know? “They” said that we were only going to win 30-plus games and we’re halfway there through the season and we’re still counting. If I would’ve been playing bad this year and terrible, people would’ve been as loud as ever so I’ma pop it a little bit just because I felt like it was a little disrespectful. Because I know if it was the other way around, I know how much criticism it would be. But, we’re going to enjoy it. I’m grateful, I’m humble and I come out to have fun every night.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: I have to ask about the “Bigen Hair Dye” situation—it went viral after it started rubbing off on opponent jerseys. Did you ever get a text message from other players in the league complaining about it not coming off of their jerseys?
Jaylen Brown: Not one! [laughs]
Winding Down
Whether he is challenging the “matrix” of NBA media narratives or leading his roster to unexpected heights, Jaylen Brown is operating with a clarity that few possess.
His journey from a heavily scrutinized prospect to a Finals MVP has been guided by the wisdom of icons like Tracy McGrady and a refusal to settle for “blue pill” complacency.
As the Celtics continue to climb the standings, one thing is certain: Brown isn’t just playing for respect anymore—he’s playing to solidify a legacy that no amount of noise (or viral hair dye) can erase.
