Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown sends strong message on Slam Dunk Contest Terrence Clarke tribute

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown believes his message was sent during his latest Terrence Clarke tribute as part of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 17.

“Terrence was like my little bro,” Brown told reporters after coming in second place to the now two-time defending champion Mac McClung (h/t Boston.com). “Definitely a Boston connection. I wanted to have a purpose in everything that I was doing. I wanted everything to have a message behind it, and I think that’s what I did tonight. I had fun while I was doing it, so I can live with those results."

Brown has long been looking to honor the Boston native since his untimely death in 2021. He advocated for the Kentucky product to have his name called during the 2021 NBA draft.

Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown talks All-Star weekend and why All-Stars don't do Slam Dunk Contest

Ultimately, Brown assessed his All-Star Weekend Saturday involvement as a fun one.

“I thought I had fun," Brown prefaced before saying, "I think that was what the ultimate thing was to go out and have fun. I accomplished that. It was an honor. At least I can say I did it at one point in my career, and I can live with that.”

Regarding why he was the first All-Star to take part in the dunk competition, Brown explained the preparation it takes.

“It takes some energy to go out there and do tricks and perform,” Brown said when asked why he thought All-Stars have avoided the dunk contest. “On any given night, you’ve still got to go and perform for your team.

“I think ultimately this media era, some players are afraid to make it into a meme or anything like that. Like I wanted to come out and have fun with it, and that’s what I did.”

Brown figures to be an All-Star weekend fixture for many years, but he may have taken part in his final Slam Dunk Contest based on his comments about the event.