Jaylen Brown’s latest desire is indicative of what makes Celtics so incredible

The Boston Celtics didn’t win the 2024 NBA Championship because of their talent. Don’t get it twisted—that played a huge part—but it’s far from the only reason they won. For the entire season, head coach Joe Mazzulla implemented a unique mindset into his team, and everyone from Jayson Tatum to Jaylen Brown adopted it.

Brown, in particular, has entered every season of his career itching to improve. This year is no different. Fresh off a season where he won Finals and Eastern Conference finals MVP, Brown is still ready to roll, and it all starts in the preseason. He doesn’t want more time off.

Boston is heading to Abu Dhabi for a pair of preseason games against the Denver Nuggets. Most stars would want to play for a few minutes and then sit out. But not Brown.

Jaylen Brown is ready to roll in Abu Dhabi

After a recent Celtics practice, Brown said that he wants to play. Part of it is his desire to hoop, but he also has some individual motivation for wanting to play in the Middle East.

“It'll mean a little more to me,” Brown said. “I spent a large portion of my summer in the Middle East, so a lot of friends and family will be attending the games. So, it'll be fun to go globalize the game and play on that side of the world. So, I look forward to it. But also playing against the former champs. I'm sure it'll be exciting to watch. 

“So, I'm not sure what the rotations or schedule is going to be, if guys are going to play or not going to play, but I want to play. I want to play. It's like a second home for me now, so to be able to play in front of those guys would be fun.”

One of the most unique stars in the NBA, Brown’s motives come from a wide variety of places.

First and foremost, his offseason ventures took him overseas, and he wants to give back to the community. Hearing how important it is for him to play in front of those he loves in that part of the world is inspiring.

But on top of that, Brown is simply a competitor.

The NBA preseason doesn’t matter. Objectively so. Once the games are over, the stats and records fade into the abyss. But Brown still wants to play. He still wants to compete, he still wants to play real minutes, and he still wants to square off against the Nuggets, who won a title one year prior to Boston.

Having players who play hard is one thing, but Brown’s perfect blend of internal motivation and external undying copmetitiveness is what makes this Celtics group so special.