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Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce drops strong statement on Jaylen Brown

By Sam LaFrance

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 13: Former Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce watches the game between the Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 13: Former Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce watches the game between the Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce recently discussed Jaylen Brown‘s record-setting contract extension, during an interview with Heavy Sports’ Steve Bulpett.

“Shoot, I’m happy for him,” Pierce told Bulpett. “You know what, Jaylen is a smart guy and his value to the city goes beyond basketball. You can tell from what he’s said. I think the Celtics looked at all of that. When you invest that much in somebody, it usually is something that can go beyond basketball — especially when you’re talking about the richest deal in NBA history. His influence, who he is as a person, you take that all into account. So you have to feel good giving it to somebody, and I know they feel good because of his influence, not only on the court, but off the court.”

Brown made his supermax extension with the Cs official on July 26, when he held a press event to ink the deal at his 7uice Foundation Bridge Program at MIT. No. 7 signed the dotted line for a five-year, $304 million contract to remain with the Celtics.

Paul Pierce is right to feel great about Jaylen Brown’s contract with the Boston Celtics

Of course, Brown has undoubtedly earned his massive payday with continued contributions on the floor. He’s helped the Boston Celtics to reach five Eastern Conference Finals since being drafted in 2016.

More recently, he’s stepped into a larger role for their last three runs to the third round, carrying the burden alongside Jayson Tatum. He’s been named to two NBA All-Star teams in the last three years, averaging 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.1% from distance, since the 2020-21 season.

On top of all of that, Brown’s ambitions away from the basketball court speak to who he is as a person and a leader. At his celebratory event, the 26-year-old made it clear that he plans to put his earnings back into the city of Boston to make it a better place, evening saying he hopes to build a “Black Wall Street” there one day.

“I appreciate the investment and commitment from the Celtics and the rest of the community,” Brown told reporters, per CLNS Media. “That commitment will felt and returned from me in Boston — on and off the floor — and hopefully soon around the world. You guys being here is special for me today. You guys represent the next generation, you represent the future. Everything I do is to try and make the world a better place. So, thank you for being in attendance, thank you for being here, thank you for sharing this moment from me. We got a lot of work to do, so let’s get started.”

In the past, Celtics fans have been fearful that Brown would leave the city when he got the chance, because of the many times he’s pointed out the race issues within it. Instead, he’s not running — but rather making an effort to make Boston a better place for everyone.

Those are the true qualities of a leader.

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