Boston Celtics alum Evan Turner downplays comments from Jaylen Brown

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Justin Quinn, Celtics Wire

Mon, May 11, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC ·

2 min read

To former Boston Celtics player and assistant coach Evan Turner , the recent kerfuffle over words from Jaylen Brown following his loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs might very well be a nothingburger. Turner shared his own perspective on the comments (and subsequent 'analysis' from mentor and friend Tracy McGrady) on a recent episode of the "Open Floor" podcast. "I want to play devil's advocate for Jaylen," said ET.

"I've had friends in high places and franchise players when you talk to them, you're like, 'Man, they're so high up that I don't think they always see the field a little bit, you know? And sometimes too, when guys win so much, it starts meaning something else to you. You and I have never gone to seven straight Eastern Conference Finals or won an NBA championship," he added. "You know what I'm saying?"

"So I think sometimes when you get so used to winning and so used to certain things, you might take for granted how dope it is, suggested Turner. "But I think also too, Jaylen's probably like for himself personally, it might have been a gain, like a personal gain because he's able to see himself how he's able to lead a team, how he's able to do a lot of things for the first time."

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Evan Turner #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the third quarter against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

"He's like, 'Yo, this is my favorite season personally because I wasn't playing Robin. That was cool.' I don't think that's off for him to say that," said Turner. "I think it only looks crazy because there's always just been history of him and Jayson ( Tatum )."

"Can they play together? Who's going first? (Are) there trade rumors? Is there this and a third? And I guess when you respond to the Tracy McGrady situation, I don't know where he got it from, I don't know what was said, but I'm harping on Jaylen jumping on and being like,' 'Hey, I want to be a Celtic for the next 10 years.' Period. Point blank. If you didn't mean no harm, no foul by it and we put the spotlight on you, then that's what it is and we move forward."

"That's how I feel," closed the Ohio State alum.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics alum Evan Turner downplays comments from Jaylen Brown