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Jaylen Brown Details Bumpy Celtics Exit, Relationships With Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid at 76ers Introduction
Sandy Verma | August 7, 2026 10:24 AM CST

At his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia 76ers, Jaylen Brown reflected on his emotional departure from the Boston Celtics, discussed his close relationship with former teammate Jayson Tatum, and shared his excitement about teaming up with Joel Embiid for the next chapter of his NBA career.

Brown Calls Celtics Exit Emotional

Brown admitted that leaving Boston was not an easy decision, describing the process as challenging after spending the first part of his NBA career with the Celtics.

Although his exit was “bumpy,” Brown said he remains grateful for everything the franchise, coaching staff, teammates, and fans gave him throughout his time in Boston.

He added that the organization helped shape him both as a player and as a person.

Friendship With Jayson Tatum Remains Strong

Brown made it clear that changing teams has not affected his relationship with Jayson Tatum.

The two All-Stars spent years leading the Celtics together, making multiple deep playoff runs and establishing themselves as one of the NBA’s premier duos.

Brown said they continue to have mutual respect and remain close friends despite now representing different franchises.

Excited to Team Up With Joel Embiid

Brown also spoke enthusiastically about playing alongside Joel Embiid, calling the former MVP one of the league’s most dominant players.

He believes Embiid’s presence gives Philadelphia a legitimate championship foundation and is eager to build chemistry with him throughout training camp.

Brown noted that combining their different skill sets could make the 76ers one of the NBA’s toughest teams to defend.

‘We Can’t Skip Steps’

While acknowledging that the revamped 76ers look impressive “on paper,” Brown stressed that talent alone will not guarantee success.

He emphasized that the team must:

  • Build chemistry gradually.
  • Develop trust through daily work.
  • Stay committed on both ends of the floor.
  • Avoid taking shortcuts in pursuit of a championship.

According to Brown, championship teams are built through consistency, accountability, and sacrifice rather than expectations alone.

High Expectations in Philadelphia

The 76ers have assembled one of the NBA’s most talented rosters, and expectations are already sky-high heading into the new season.

Brown said he embraces those expectations but believes the team’s success will ultimately depend on how well the players come together over the course of the season.

The Bottom Line

Jaylen Brown’s introduction in Philadelphia marked the beginning of a new chapter after an emotional exit from Boston. While he remains appreciative of his years with the Celtics and maintains a strong friendship with Jayson Tatum, Brown is now fully focused on helping the 76ers compete for an NBA championship alongside Joel Embiid. At the same time, he cautioned that despite the team’s star power, “you can’t skip steps” on the road to becoming a title contender.


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