Jaylen Brown Excited For Celtics’ Journey Following ‘One Of Best’ Preseasons

The Boston Celtics kick off their 2023-24 campaign on Wednesday night in the Big Apple with the New York Knicks hosting the season-opener.

The Celtics take the court with a completely revamped roster following the trades that sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III to the Portland Trail Blazers in order to make room for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.

As soon as the Celtics hit the court at the Auerbach Center for training camp, guard Jaylen Brown noticed the difference in the atmosphere, according to NBA Insider Taylor Snow.

“The excitement level is high,” Brown told Snow after Monday’s practice. “We get to start the journey off, kick the season off. We’ve been working hard in preseason. Probably one of the best preseasons I’ve been a part of, so now it’s time to perform. Now it’s time to take the work to actual real life and I’m excited.”

Entering his eighth NBA season, all with Boston, Brown noted the distinct difference from previous preseasons with his teammates and coaches.

“We’ve been real clear in our roles. We’re clear what we want to get accomplished,” Brown explained. We’re clear in what actions we want to get into, late game, 3-for-2 situations, 2-for-1 situations. We’ve been able to really establish exactly what we want to do. It’s been really good coaching this year.

“I think being able to be on the same page is everything in this league, so building that chemistry, having that clarity, having that understanding, knowing where everyone is supposed to be, knowing what we want to get into. When you get into those moments, late game, fourth quarter, those are the moments you start to see the work and that clarity comes to life.”

The Celtics finished with a 4-1 record in the preseason, splitting the two games against the Knicks. Boston will reset on opening night looking to start the quest for Banner No. 18 on a high note.

“The first game is always the most anticipated,” Brown said. “It’s like, new season, new energy. We definitely want to leave with a win.”

Wednesday night’s tip-off between the Celtics and Knicks from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.