Jaylen Brown Opens Up On Mental Health Struggles

There’s no doubt anymore that Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown is one of the best players in the NBA. And while it may seem like he’s had an easy road to success, the 2024 Finals MVP recently revealed that wasn’t the case.

Selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brown has turned himself into one of the best all-around players in the league. He’s a four-time All-Star who also earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team in 2023. Most importantly, though, he was the best player during the Celtics’ championship run last year.

Brown has gradually improved throughout the course of his career, which has taken him to where he is now. Looking back at his rise, it may be easy to be fooled that everything came easily for Brown. However, that was not the case, as he recently shed light on some of his mental health struggles throughout his career.

“I’ve dealt with anxiety, even depression. I’ve been to some dark places … but those places have allowed my light to shine,” Brown shared in an interview on “School Of Hard Knocks.”

The start of Brown’s career didn’t come without its bumps, as he lost his starting job during the 2018-19 season. Even since earning it back, though, Brown has solidified his standing as one of the top players in the league.

Throughout his career, Brown has frequently shown that he is more than just a basketball player. Not only has he been open in discussing his struggles, but he’s also been involved in the community and given back to the city of Boston.

There’s no doubt that Brown’s willingness to discuss these sometimes-sensitive subjects is huge, as it allows fans everywhere to relate to him. It’s part of the reason why he’s one of the most popular athletes in Boston currently.

While Brown has gotten to the top of the mountain with the Celtics, he isn’t content with just one title. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign, look for Brown to take on a bigger role for Boston, both on and off the court.