Jaylen Brown on joining the 76ers: “I’m approaching this with an empty slate”

# Quick summary

The adjustment process

Brown broke the move into phases: mental, emotional and physical. He said getting comfortable and set up in a new city and with a new team is an adjustment and that every day feels like a "day four." His approach is incremental: put his best foot forward each day and try to maximize chances to contribute.

Role and roster context

Brown is expected to have a significant role on a 76ers team that includes LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He stressed that, despite Philadelphia's offensive firepower, the team should "hang our hats" on defense. Learning defensive systems and calls will take time, Brown said, and the group must hold one another accountable on that end.

Leadership and sacrifice

Brown agreed with LeBron James' comment that sacrifice is necessary when chasing big goals. He said sacrifice is what's needed for something of high value and that his desire to improve daily remains. He also noted that his leadership role will evolve because "this group looks different," so he's preparing for new responsibilities and dynamics.

Performance context

The 2025-26 regular season was Brown's best statistically: he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists across 71 games, earning All-Star and All-NBA Second Team honors. He acknowledged that past experience can help in some areas, but he also recognizes that the new team may require different approaches.

The human side and media criticism

Brown spoke about the human connection he values in basketball—bringing people together and uplifting communities. He also described some anonymous reports about him over the summer as "concerning" and "a little bizarre," arguing that anonymous sourcing needs balance because reporting can lose integrity when that balance disappears.

How he's approaching it

Rather than relying heavily on his Boston experience, Brown said he is treating Philadelphia as an empty slate: arriving each day with the goal of maximizing opportunities and not taking anything for granted. He described working through the learning curve and being ready for varying circumstances with the new roster.

# Bottom line Brown is framing the move as a careful, day-by-day reset. He wants the 76ers to be defined by defense, expects to adapt his leadership with new teammates, and is focused on making the most of his opportunity in Philadelphia.