According to Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics fanbase has a lot of pull with the organization.

Appearing on a series called “State of the Game“, Brown shared an anecdote in reference to the Celtics’ 2018-2019 season. The series was recorded during the All-Star break and featured Brown’s former teammate Grant Williams, Andre Iguadola, and host Kenny Beecham.

“They decided to move me to the bench, which was understandable,” Brown told the panel, “You got guys making $30 million or whatever but as a 20-year-old who was extremely talented, it slowed down my development.

“The guys” Brown referenced would include Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, and Gordon Hayward. Brown started 19 of the Celtics first 20 games before then-coach Brad Stevens opted for Marcus Smart in the starting five instead of the third year guard.

“Now, I’m getting criticized for not working on my game and getting criticized for not being ready for my opportunity. The reality was we had a stacked deck and it was too much responsibility for everybody to equally share.”

Outside of a random start here or there, Jaylen Brown spent most of that season coming off the bench. It wasn’t until a Marcus Smart oblique injury got Brown back in the starting lineup for the playoffs.

Jaylen Brown has a different story.

“What I did was like, ‘how you win over the fans,’ Brown continued, “Any time I’m on the floor, I’m the best defender on the floor. I’m also creating highlights. When I get a fast break, I’m windmilling it. So now, [fans] start to be like, ‘why is this kid not playing more?’ In Boston, what ended up happening, this is like a forgotten moment in time but they ended up having a petition, the fans, they sent a petition to put Jaylen back in the starting lineup. That eventually made the Celtics put me back in the starting lineup, not because I feel like they wanted to. I think Brad preferred Gordon [Hayward].”

Sep 19, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward (20) reacts with guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half of game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Stevens started Brown, Tatum, Horford, and Irving in all nine playoff games. The last spot was split between Aron Baynes and Marcus Morris. Hayward averaged just under 30 minutes a game and posted 9.6 PPG but never started.

The Celtics swept the Pacers before losing to the Bucks in five.

Regardless of Steven’s thinking, Jaylen believes his former coach was pushing for Gordon Hayward.

“One, [Hayward] was making more money and was coming back off injury. Also, the Butler (tie in). They gave Gordon every chance offensively that he absolutely could. They felt like he deserved it because he made that big commitment to come from Utah and being an All-Star to now and it just didn’t work out.”

Jaylen Brown would win a championship with the Celtics in 2024. Gordon Hayward was traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He played three years in Charlotte followed by a quick stop in OKC before announcing his retirement in 2024.