The Boston Celtics have a rich history of basketball legends, from Bill Russell and Larry Bird to Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Among the many stars who have worn the green and white, two players share a common surname: Brown. Jaylen Brown and Dee Brown are both former Celtics who have made their mark on the franchise and the league. But are they related? The answer is no, they are not.
Jaylen Brown is a current Celtics player who was drafted by the team in 2016 with the third overall pick. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and an All-NBA Second Team selection in 2023. He is known for his athleticism, versatility, and leadership on and off the court. He is also an activist and a scholar, having attended the University of California, Berkeley and Harvard University. He was born in Marietta, Georgia, to parents Mechalle and Marselles Brown. He has two brothers, Quenton and Jahmai, and a sister, Jelissa.
Dee Brown is a former Celtics player who was drafted by the team in 1990 with the 19th overall pick. He played for the Celtics for eight seasons, winning the Slam Dunk Contest in 1991 with his famous “no-look” dunk. He later played for the Toronto Raptors and the Orlando Magic before retiring in 2002. He also coached in the NBA Development League and in college basketball. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi, to parents Dorothy and Willie Brown. He has a son, Dee Jr., who played basketball at Illinois State University.
How They Became Celtics
Jaylen Brown was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, where he led his team to a state championship and was named Mr. Georgia Basketball. He chose to attend Cal over other offers from Kentucky, Kansas, and Michigan. He had a stellar freshman season, averaging 14.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors. He declared for the 2016 NBA draft after one year of college.
The Celtics had the third pick in the draft, thanks to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets that involved Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Many experts expected them to select Kris Dunn, a point guard from Providence, or Dragan Bender, a power forward from Croatia. However, the Celtics surprised everyone by picking Jaylen Brown, who was projected to go lower in the draft. The move was initially met with skepticism by some fans and analysts, who questioned Brown’s shooting ability and fit with the team.
However, Brown quickly proved his doubters wrong by showing his potential as a two-way player who could guard multiple positions and attack the rim with force. He improved his game every season, becoming a reliable scorer, rebounder, and defender for the Celtics. He also developed his three-point shot, increasing his percentage from 34.1% as a rookie to 39.7% as a fourth-year player. He made his first All-Star appearance in 2021 and his second in 2023, when he also earned All-NBA honors.
Dee Brown was also a star in high school, where he led his team to two state titles and was named Mr. Basketball of Mississippi. He went on to play for Illinois, where he formed a dynamic backcourt duo with Kendall Gill. He averaged 18 points and 5 assists per game as a senior and led the Fighting Illini to the Final Four in 1989. He was selected by the Celtics in the first round of the 1990 NBA draft.
The Celtics were coming off a disappointing season that saw them lose Larry Bird to injury and get eliminated by the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. They needed an infusion of youth and energy, which they found in Dee Brown. He impressed the fans and coaches with his speed, athleticism, and charisma. He became a fan favorite after winning the Slam Dunk Contest in his rookie year with a series of spectacular dunks, including one where he covered his eyes with his arm before slamming the ball.
He became a starter for the Celtics in his second season, forming a potent backcourt tandem with Reggie Lewis. He averaged 15 points and 7 assists per game that year and helped the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He continued to be a key contributor for the Celtics until he suffered a torn ACL in 1993 that sidelined him for most of the season. He never regained his pre-injury form and eventually left the Celtics in 1998 as a free agent.
Their Impact on the Celtics
Jaylen Brown has been one of the best players on the Celtics since he joined them in 2016. He has helped them reach four consecutive Eastern Conference Finals from 2017 to 2020, falling short of reaching the NBA Finals each time. He has also been instrumental in developing a strong chemistry with fellow All-Star Jayson Tatum, forming one of the best young duos in the league. He has also been a vocal leader and a role model for the team and the community, speaking out on social justice issues and promoting education and empowerment.
Dee Brown was also a valuable player for the Celtics during his tenure with them. He was part of the last generation of Celtics that played with the legendary Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. He brought excitement and flair to the team with his dunks and his personality. He was also a clutch performer who hit several game-winning shots for the Celtics, including a buzzer-beater against the Portland Trail Blazers in 1992. He was a fan favorite who embodied the spirit and pride of the Celtics.
Conclusion
Jaylen Brown and Dee Brown are two different players who have different backgrounds and careers. They are not related by blood or by marriage. However, they do share a common bond as former and current Celtics who have made an impact on the franchise and the fans. They both have worn the number 7 jersey with pride and honor, representing the Celtics’ tradition of excellence and passion. They are both part of the Celtics’ family, which spans generations and connects players from different eras. They are both Celtics legends in their own right.
