Something seems off in the Boston Celtics camp. Rumors are swirling that Jaylen Brown is at the center of the tension. According to NBA media circles, this is linked to the new playmaking role the star is trying to adapt to. However, if you’re someone buying into these speculations, the Celtics’ head coach has come forward to set the record straight and clear the air.

Before taking on the Clippers on Thursday, HC Joe Mazzulla sat down with the media for a pre-game press conference. During the Q&A session, a reporter asked Mazzulla about Brown’s impact off the court, his depth on social issues and what it’s like discussing those topics with him. Mazzulla immediately weighed in, saying, “It’s great.” He also mentioned that he doesn’t get enough time to dive into those discussions but the entire team helps make him “a better person in some capacity.” Then he went on to praise Brown’s passion and mindset

“Jaylen makes me just a better person because of his passion to just go after stuff,” Mazzulla stated. “He wants to take on everything. He wants to be just as impactful off the court as he wants to be on the court, and he’s got a great growth mindset to just taking on anything, and try to get better at it. And so, you know, whether it’s history, whether it’s military, whether it’s community work, we enjoy the conversations to really stretch each other to get better, so I’m grateful for that.”

Jaylen Brown sure got a fat $304 million cheque for his 5-year extension with the Cs, but he’s quickly turned his focus to giving back. The 3-time All-Star is actively involved with his 7uice Foundation and the nonprofit Boston XChange, using his platform to tackle societal issues and make a positive impact in the community.

Considering the way Mazzulla spoke about Brown, it seems unlikely there are any tensions between them. So where did this all start?

Jaylen Brown sparks rumors as Joe Mazzulla responds bluntly to reporters’ questions

Following the 121-94 win against the Magic, Brown confessed in a postgame courtside interview, “I’ve had to adjust, it’s a different year,” regarding the new role. “I just do what the team needs me to do. I’ve been able to evolve through different things in my career. This team, I’m more of a playmaker, so I just embrace it and get better in that role and do what I do.”

But based on the head coach’s statements, it seems that Brown’s comments were taken out of proportion, with claims circulating on WEEI 93.7 FM suggesting he was indirectly “not comfortable” in his role. However, the hosts quickly corrected by saying that they weren’t sure of the exact confession. Besides clearing up Brown’s side, Mazzulla gave a blunt reaction to a reporter’s question.

The Clippers had a lengthy injury list that kept many of their star players out of the East vs. West clash, prompting questions about the Celtics’ lineup. When Mazzulla was asked if his preparation for the game differed from any other regular season matchup, given the uncertainty around the lineup, his response was simple, “It’s an NBA game,” which took the reporter by surprise.

The game ended with a thrilling 117-113 victory for the Celtics, but it wasn’t as easy as it might have appeared with most of the Clippers’ stars sidelined. The match went into overtime, with Jaylen Brown leading the team with a team-high 25 points. Regardless of the role he’s given, Brown proved once again that he knows how to handle the situation on the court.