Boston native and star of the Jason Bourne series and Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon, revealed to the ESPN “First Take” crew on July 30 that he is a massive fan of Celtics star and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown; not just for his abilities on the court, but his humanitarian efforts off of it.
“Oh my God. It’s a good question. How about we go with present-day players? There are a lot of them,” Damon said (h/t NESN). “I will tell you, one present-day player who I absolutely love for what he does on and off the court is Jaylen Brown. I just admire that guy. I can’t believe how young in age and he’s already thinking strategically about to use his platform to make the world a better place.
” … He’s obviously a very conscientious guy. A really, really smart guy. I admire him. He’s a formidable man and I’m really proud that he’s playing in Boston.”
Brown's quiet demeanor, paired with his penchant to do things behind the scenes for underserved communities, make him a likeable guy in a league filled with massive egos and self-importance.
Best of all, Brown has grown a love for Boston even after initially calling the city out for the behavior of certain fans.
Jaylen Brown left ego at the door by embracing Jayson Tatum as Boston Celtics co-star
Clearly, Brown is a baller. He was the best player during the Finals and was the team's top player the past several postseasons as well.
And yet, it's Jayson Tatum who gets the most attention from fans and the media alike -- whether good or bad. Winning the Finals but not the Finals MVP award has turned the Tatum conversation sour somehow.
Brown clearly has no problem being seen as the 1A star and didn't let that affect his mindset throughout his Celtics career so far. Now, he is an NBA Champion who very well could be considered Boston's best player with continued growth.
Brown works hard on and off the court to do the right things. You just won't hear him boast about any of it.