Celtics’ Jaylen Brown not happy after Jalen Brunson named Player of the Month over him

Jan 3, 2026 - 00:30

Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown took exception to not winning Player of the Month over New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson. Without Jayson Tatum, Brown and the Celtics finished 2025 strong. Averaging 31.7 points on 53.8% shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, Jaylen led Boston to a 9-3 record in December. Brunson posted 30.6 points on 40.5% shooting, and 7.1 assists per game while leading the Knicks to a 10-4 record last month.

Brown reacted to Brunson winning Player of the Month on his X, formerly Twitter.

“Smh,” Brown said, which is an acronym for shaking my head.

Smh https://t.co/G7q3sCOT09
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) January 2, 2026

Considering Brown’s numbers has the slight edge over Jalen Brunson’s production in December with nearly identical records, the All-Star guard has a strong case for feeling like the more more deserving candidate. Brown led the Celtics to a better record in December than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who won Player of the Month for December, and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jaylen Brown sounds off on All-Star voting

Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (7) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Johnny Furphy (12) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown has shown a lot more of his personality this season, as the leading man of an overachieving squad with a 21-12 record. Brown tied Larry Bird’s consecutive 30-point game record. Former NBA player Michael Redd referred to All-Star voting as a PR contest.

“These votes are based on name recognition, which comes from past performance, social media presence, and off-field narratives. Not necessarily who’s having the best season right now,” wrote Redd.

Brown agreed with Redd’s take.

“I agree PR contest,” Brown said.