Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown recently revealed the raw frustration of his early NBA career, disclosing that he threw his phone when he learned the franchise had selected him third overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. Speaking candidly about his initial reaction to moving to Massachusetts, the All-Star forward explained that the destination caught him completely off guard after a pre-draft process that pointed elsewhere.
The 2016 Draft Night Surprise and Phone-Throwing Reaction
Back in June 2016, the Celtics held the prestigious third pick courtesy of a prior trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Most league projections and mock drafts tied Boston to other collegiate prospects, leading Brown and his inner circle to anticipate a different landing spot. When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the abrupt pivot triggered an immediate emotional response from the former University of California, Berkeley standout.
“When I got drafted, I threw my phone,” Brown recounted, reflecting on the moment he realized his professional career would begin in New England. The unexpected selection forced a rapid adjustment for the teenager, who had spent his lone college season starring for the California Golden Bears under head coach Cuonzo Martin.
From Initial Shock to Franchise Cornerstone in Boston
The friction of that draft night quickly dissolved into a historic professional partnership. Over subsequent seasons, Brown evolved from a questioned lottery pick into an indispensable pillar of the Celtics roster. Working alongside fellow franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum, he helped anchor the team through multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances before breaking through to capture the 2024 NBA Championship.
His development under head coaches Brad Stevens and later Joe Mazzulla transformed him into one of the league’s premier two-way wings. Along the way, Brown earned multiple NBA All-Star nods and secured a landmark contract extension, cementing his status in the city that initially shocked him on television screens across the country.
What Lies Ahead for Jaylen Brown and the Celtics
As the Celtics prepare for the rigors of the upcoming NBA schedule, Brown remains the focal point of the team’s long-term competitive window. Boston’s next official matchup arrives on opening night of the regular season, where the defending champions will raise their latest banner to the rafters at TD Garden before tipping off against their opening opponent. Supporters looking to follow the team’s latest updates can monitor official announcements through the league’s primary transaction wires and the team’s official media portal.
