Boston Celtics guard Derrick White recently offered an inside look at what makes teammate Jaylen Brown one of the NBA’s most respected leaders, pointing to a relentless work ethic that many fans never see.
Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, White praised Brown’s commitment to improvement and detailed the preparation that takes place behind closed doors throughout the season.
“I don’t think people understand how hard he works,” White said, via HoopsHype. “Every day he’s in there working on his game, working on different things he can improve, just watching film and just seeing different ways to improve.”
White’s comments provide context for another standout season from Brown. The Celtics forward averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists across 71 games during the 2025-26 campaign. He earned an All-Star selection, finished sixth in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
Brown served as the focal point of Boston’s offense for much of the season. Jayson Tatum appeared in only 16 games, placing additional responsibility on Brown to carry the scoring load and lead a roster that still finished 56-26, good for second place in the Eastern Conference.
According to White, Brown’s influence extends well beyond his production on the court. The veteran guard emphasized that teammates witness the daily preparation and dedication that fuels Brown’s success.
“When you see that from behind the scenes, you want to play for him and you want to help in any way you can,” White said.
Brown posted career-level production while maintaining his role as Boston’s primary scorer and playmaker. He averaged nearly 29 points per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and helping the Celtics remain among the Eastern Conference’s top teams despite significant roster challenges.
White also enjoyed a strong season of his own, averaging 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while earning All-Defensive First Team honors and receiving Defensive Player of the Year votes.
