Jaylen Brown is among the top 10 in this year's edition of Boston Magazine's most influential people in the city. It's an illustrious recognition he richly deserves.
Brown's work in the community has elevated the city he stars in. The 7uice Foundation is dedicated to fighting systemic racism. The Bridge Program partners with the Community Biotechnology Initiative at the MIT Media Lab; its initiatives provide science and technology opportunities for children in Boston's underserved communities.
In July of 2023, when the former Finals MVP signed what was then the most lucrative contract in NBA history, he shared his determination to attack Boston's wealth gap.
"I want to attack the wealth disparity here," said Brown. "I think there is analytics that supports that stimulating the wealth gap could actually be something that could be better for the entire economy." Speaking in a room at MIT filled with Bridge Program students, family members, civil rights icon John Carlos, and members of the Celtics' brass, he voiced his vision.
"I think through my platform, through influential partners, through selective leaders, government officials, a lot of them are in this room, that we can come together and create new jobs, new resources, new businesses, new ideas that can highlight minorities, but also stimulate the economy and the wealth gap at the same time," said Brown.
One summer later, he launched Boston XChange. It's a non-profit initiative created to generate $5 billion in generational wealth in communities of color. It's another avenue for him to support underinvested entrepreneurs and creators. By nourishing young minds who might not otherwise have access to the resources it provides, he's helping to build brighter futures for these individuals, their families, and the city of Boston.
Brown's impact away from the parquet -- including while spending most of his summer in Boston this past offseason -- has built an unbreakable bond between him and the city.
Joining him on the list of this year's edition of Boston Magazine's most influential figures in the city is Bill Chisholm. The Celtics owner earned a spot in the top 75.
Jaylen Brown's evolution breathed life into Celtics' title hopes
Entering this season, many outside of the organization thought this would be a gap year. There was even talk of whether the team should tank to try to land a top lottery pick. However, internally, there was confidence in what this group could achieve.
Growth throughout the roster propelled Boston to 56 wins and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Brown's latest evolution inserted his name into the MVP conversation.
The five-time All-Star generated 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. The list of players who averaged at least 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists this season only featured him and Luka Doncic.
Furthermore, the Marietta, Georgia native shot nearly 50 percent from the field. His ability to repeatedly get downhill allowed him to consistently create quality opportunities for his teammates, feeding into their development.
Now, with Jayson Tatum standing alongside him and a roster that spent the season elevating their game, the Celtics have a 3-1 lead in their first-round rivalry clash with the Philadelphia 76ers. They're hoping it's the start to another playoff trek that ends atop the NBA summit.
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