Celtics Veteran Makes Strong Jaylen Brown Claim Ahead Of 76ers Visit image
The Boston Celtics are preparing for an unusual Saturday night at TD Garden, where one of the most important players in franchise history could return wearing the colors of an Eastern Conference rival.
Jaylen Brown's offseason trade to the Philadelphia 76ers ended a remarkable 10-year run in Boston. Now, with the teams scheduled to meet in preseason action Saturday, the possibility of seeing Brown on the opposing bench has brought renewed attention to his Celtics legacy. Former teammate Sam Hauser offered a particularly meaningful assessment of Brown's place in franchise history while discussing the upcoming matchup. His comments provide a reminder that Brown's departure changed much more than Boston's starting lineup.
Sam Hauser Believes Jaylen Brown Deserves Special Recognition
Hauser told The Boston Globe that Brown should be remembered as one of the greatest players in Celtics history. The veteran forward also emphasized Brown's contributions away from basketball, recognizing the impact he made throughout the Boston community during his decade with the organization.
That perspective carries weight considering everything Brown accomplished after Boston selected him with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He developed into a five-time All-Star, earned two All-NBA selections and became the NBA Finals MVP during the Celtics' championship run in 2024.
Brown's departure was one of the biggest developments of the NBA offseason. Boston traded him to Philadelphia in July in a deal that brought Paul George and multiple draft picks to the Celtics. The transaction ended Brown's partnership with Jayson Tatum and signaled the beginning of a dramatically different chapter for both players.
Saturday's matchup might not feature Brown on the court. Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse indicated Thursday that several of his prominent players would likely appear in only one of the team's final two preseason games, and Brown's availability remains uncertain after he scored 18 points against Brooklyn.
MORE: How to Watch Celtics vs. 76ers Tonight: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for NBA Preseason Game
Celtics' Real Reunion With Brown Comes Later
Even if Brown does not play Saturday, the game offers an early reminder of how different the Eastern Conference landscape looks. Boston is moving forward with Tatum, George and a reshaped supporting cast, while Philadelphia hopes Brown can help strengthen a roster featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James.
The Celtics opened their preseason Thursday with a 124-113 victory over Cleveland. Luka Garza produced 22 points and 10 rebounds, while several younger players made encouraging contributions. Saturday provides another opportunity to evaluate the roster before the regular season begins.
Hauser also indicated that he expects Brown to be particularly motivated when Philadelphia returns to Boston during the regular season. That matchup is scheduled for Jan. 21, when the atmosphere should be considerably different from a preseason contest.
Brown's departure may have been difficult for Celtics fans to accept, but the respect he earned inside the organization remains clear. His former teammates understand how much he contributed to the franchise's success, and Saturday offers an early opportunity to acknowledge that history.
Whether Brown plays or watches from the sideline, the possibility of seeing him return to TD Garden as a member of the 76ers is a reminder of just how much has changed in Boston.
More Celtics