Jaylen Brown makes waves after his All-NBA Second Team selection

Jaylen Brown continues to make headlines off the court. On Sunday, the Celtics forward was officially named to the All-NBA Second Team, an honor he had previously earned during the 2022-2023 season. A well-deserved recognition, though tinged with slight frustration: the First Team just slipped out of his grasp.

A historic season carried on his shoulders

His 2025-2026 season will go down in history. With Jayson Tatum missing the first 62 games due to an Achilles tendon injury, Brown carried Boston to 56 wins and a 2nd-place finish in the Eastern Conference. His numbers speak for themselves: 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game — all career highs — on 47.7% shooting.

PLAYER PROFILE

Jaylen BROWN

Position(s): Guard / Forward

Height: 198 cm

Age: 29 years old (10/24/1996)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

28.4

#3

REB

6.8

#57

AST

5

#51

Jaylen Brown seemed destined for his first All-NBA First Team selection, especially after stars like Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards failed to reach the required 65-game threshold. However, the NBA ultimately granted an « extraordinary circumstances » waiver to Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham, both deemed eligible despite playing only 64 games. Cunningham had missed games after suffering a pneumothorax, while Doncic was absent to attend the birth of his child abroad.

As a result, Cunningham edged out the forward for the last spot on the First Team, 414 points to 384. The All-NBA First Team consists of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Cade Cunningham. Brown joins Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Donovan Mitchell on the Second Team.

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An unfiltered reaction and a rivalry heating up

During a livestream organized on Sunday evening, Jaylen Brown reacted in real time to his All-NBA Second Team selection. The Celtics forward admitted to sometimes being surprised to receive this type of recognition, noting that he doesn’t always enjoy widespread popularity among fans or the media. « I’m not the most liked, whether by fans or the media, » he explained. « Sometimes I use my platform a little controversially, so I’m already surprised to be on a team at all, whether it’s the First or Second. I’m grateful for everything. Nothing surprises me. »

Jaylen Brown on finding out he’s been selected to the All-NBA Second Team:

« I’m grateful. God is the greatest. »

« Im not the most liked…Sometimes I use my platform a little controversially…I’m surprised I win awards at all sometimes. »

(Via @FCHWPO on Twitch) pic.twitter.com/0EkXfa7Sto

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) May 24, 2026

The Celtic also took the opportunity to praise his teammate Derrick White, who had a standout defensive season, before discussing his own continued growth. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP said he plans to work this summer with several legends of the game, including Steve Nash, Kevin Garnett, James Harden, and Hakeem Olajuwon. « I feel like I’m entering my prime, » he said. « I haven’t reached my limits yet. »

Meanwhile, his media feud with Stephen A. Smith continues to escalate. In recent days, the Boston player accused the well-known ESPN analyst of constantly stirring up « cheap controversies » and manufacturing narratives around him, following several comments tied to his livestream and his relationship with Jayson Tatum. Brown even publicly called on Smith to retire. In response, the First Take host warned him that he could start reporting insider information about the locker room, the organization, or Brown’s standing within the franchise.

Stephen A Smith sends a warning shot at Jaylen Brown after his ‘f*ck Stephen A’ comments 👀

« Jaylen Brown be careful what you wish for. You really want me to start reporting on that level? You understand? Locker room, how the organization might think about you, how the city may… pic.twitter.com/AXbWAXmNAZ

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 18, 2026