Brown Embraces Larger Leadership Load as Boston Adapts to Roster Shake-Up
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October 4, 2025 — With Jayson Tatum sidelined and several long-time veterans gone, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown has assumed a prominent leadership role during the opening week of training camp.
Brown, who usually spends off-seasons traveling, remained in Boston this summer to accelerate chemistry with five new teammates. “We lost a lot of guys I was close to,” he told reporters, adding that building trust with the newcomers is essential even if it “doesn’t happen overnight.”
The 28-year-old acknowledged that mentoring is a departure from the guarded persona he displayed through his first nine NBA seasons. Brown said he feels “at peace” and more comfortable showing his personality both inside and outside the locker room.
Coaching Staff Sees Camp Differently
Assistant coach Sam Cassell called this the most challenging camp he has experienced in 34 years around the league. Head coach Joe Mazzulla pushed back, labeling that view “recency bias” and insisting every season presents its own hurdles.
Language Barrier for First-Round Pick
First-round selection Hugo Gonzalez, a former Real Madrid guard with limited English, said coaches have been patient while he learns the playbook. The rookie noted the staff is “going deep into the details” to ensure he can react instinctively on defense once the season starts.
Horford’s Departure Questioned
In a Boston Globe mailbag, writer Brian Robb explored whether the club should have done more to retain Al Horford, who accepted a $5.7 million deal with Golden State. Boston’s front office was reluctant to add salary because a similar contract would have approached $20 million after repeater-tax penalties.
Source: Hoops Rumors
