Wednesday night marked Jaylen Brown’s first double-double as a 76er.
But his 20 points and 10 rebounds weren’t the headline after the 114-109 win over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Reporters wanted Brown’s reaction to former Boston Celtics player-turned-team color commentator Brian Scalabrine, who said Monday that he demanded a trade from the Boston Celtics. Scalabrine walked back his comment Monday night after Brown’s camp said he never requested a trade.
But that didn’t stop Scalabrine from criticizing Brown on Tuesday’s Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets live broadcast, saying the forward led the NBA in turnovers last season as a Celtic.
MORE: Jaylen Brown reveals there is a bit of conflict with former co-star Jayson Tatum
The Celtics traded Brown to the Sixers on July 6 in exchange for Paul George and draft picks.
“I guess it is what it is,” Brown said of Scalabrine’s comments. “I saw it. I saw Scal make those comments. Never had an issue with Scal. I love Scal. But I guess he’s doing what he has to do. I can understand why he feels a need to do that.
“But I have no interest in letting false allegations follow me into my next chapter here in Philadelphia. I’ve never demanded a trade. Never made a list of ultimatums. … As of now, I’m just going to stay focused on what is in front of me here in Philadelphia.”
And that appears to be the best thing for Brown and the Sixers (4-1).
The five-time All-Star is averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, and shooting 40.9% from three as a Sixer.
However, his stellar play has taken a backseat to his feud and back-and-forth with former Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum. And Scalabrine’s comment, made perhaps in defense of Tatum, only added to the commotion.
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