Media narratives have the capability of derailing careers. However, in the case of Jaylen Brown, he seems immune to the noise. Over his decorated years with the Celtics, no matter how successful, there have always been those occasional knocks.

‘He and Tatum can’t be a championship tandem,’ ‘Brown doesn’t have a left hand,’ ‘he can’t finish with his left,’ and so forth. Among the most recent though was one that shocked many because it came from Stephen A. Smith.

While on Hot Ones, Brown, apart from enduring the heat from the spicy wings, also had to address the trending narratives around him. Before his Olympic exclusion, Smith claimed the Celtics star wasn’t ‘liked’ and raised questions about his accountability. It led to a rift between the two, which only intensified. But Brown is hoping to repair the various portrayals surrounding him.

“Some of the narratives kind of float, and I allow them to float. Going forward, I look forward to clearing up some misconceptions,” he told the host Sean Evans. Notably, since the marketability comments, Brown has emerged with his own creation – the 741 Performance Rover. Significantly, Brown wishes to cultivate a sense of creativity within the NBA with the newly launched performance company. And with that, he aims to squash some old rifts he might have.

It includes putting water under the bridge with ESPN’s own marketable individual.

“Maybe me and Stephen A will have a sit down at some point,” he told Evans on Hot Ones. Yet, the one thing that hasn’t changed is his predatory mentality. Smith previously claimed Brown has an “I-am-better-than-you attitude”. Even though it might not be exactly that, Brown is after revenge this season.

Jaylen Brown has a lot of motivation in the Celtics’ title defense season

As far as clearing out media conceptions, Brown has done a remarkable job on the court. During the postseason, he showcased his defensive versatility and scoring prowess. Moreover, he and Tatum proved they could co-exist and foster a championship team around them.

Mission accomplished!

But with the lead-up to this season, which included Brown’s Olympics sidelining, he has claimed to be after “blood”.

During the summer, he worked underwater, literally later explaining how it helps his breathing. The reigning Finals MVP also looked visibly toned and shredded. It’s not only fueled by his self-motivation but the Celtics have a target on their back.

“Everybody’s trying to come after us, and I’m like, ‘Come on,'” he says. While at the Olympics, his teammate, Jayson Tatum, too shared an upsetting fate. He barely saw any game time and, after leading a championship, suddenly drowned in the ruthless mockery of fans. Joe Mazzulla feels that’s a “gift”.

Since being back in training camp, the star tandem has showcased a ravening spirit. Staying after practice has almost become the norm. Moreover, Tatum has reportedly done two workouts per day trying to fix a mechanical problem with his jump shot. The team as a whole is also empowered by the way their teammates spend their summers. “It motivated me and all of us for this season” the veteran Horford proclaimed.

Despite winning, the motivations within the Boston Celtics seem to be higher than ever. They were already the most fearsome unit last season. Now, they have a bigger chip on their shoulder.