Jaylen Brown Discusses Celtics and Sixers Rivalry, Bill Russell's Legacy

Watching Bill Russell's Netflix documentary gave Jaylen Brown a greater appreciation for one of the most historic rivalries in sports.

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown, now in his seventh season, has gone to the playoffs every year of his career. The Celtics' upcoming series against the Sixers is the third time he's faced them in the postseason. So far, Boston's 2-0 in those tilts. And Joel Embiid's LCL sprain in his right knee could have a hand in the defending Eastern Conference champions advancing.

But while the focus is on the present, the Celtics and Sixers share a rich history, from Bill Russell battling with Wilt Chamberlain to Larry Bird squaring off with Julius Erving, that's made it one of the all-time great rivalries in sports.

Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, on the eve of these two legendary franchises starting the next chapter of their rivalry, Jaylen Brown shared what he knows about their intertwined history beyond the two series he's participated in.

"I've learned more about the Celtics and 76ers rivalry throughout time," stated the two-time All-Star. He added that watching Bill Russell's Netflix series provided a chance to see Russell and Chamberlain compete against each other and understand how the rivalry was born.

"Just learning about that history, kind of, gave me more foresight into today's time. I think it was a lot different back then than it is now, but I definitely enjoy the 76ers matchup. It's a fun environment; it's a great basketball environment, a lot of intensity, especially on the road in Philly, so it should be fun."

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Brown also understands that being a part of a rivalry, like the one between Boston and Philadelphia, especially when the two collide in the playoffs, represents a chance for those competing to enhance their legacy, calling it "an honor" to be in these battles.

The All-NBA hopeful also expounded on what he took from watching the Bill Russell documentary.

"A lot of stuff. Off the court and on the court. Bill was a great man, and he stood for a lot. And he wasn't as well received as people would like to remember. I know he has a statue now, but at the time, people didn't understand who he was. But he was able to persevere.

"He led his team to championships. He stood for what he stood for, and he had fun. He smiled doing it. One thing I remember most was his smile, his laugh. Hearing him laugh, to this day, still brings a smile to my face. (He was) such an easy, happy, friendly-going person. You can hear it in his smile and in his laugh. But at the time, the way people talked about him then and how people assumed he represented himself, you wouldn't think he was that type of guy, but he was."

Further Reading

Doc Rivers Provides Update on Joel Embiid's Status for Start of Celtics-Sixers Series

Here's What We Know About the Celtics-Sixers Second-Round Schedule

Celtics Praise Joe Mazzulla's Poise, Adaptability After Advancing Past Hawks: 'That's What It's All About, Especially in the Playoffs'

Celtics Discuss Difference-Maker in Game 6 vs. Hawks: 'In the Playoffs, You've Got Basketball, You've Got Execution, And Then You've Got This Like Fight That's Kind of Going On'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 6 Win vs. Hawks: Boston Delivers Late Haymaker, are on to a Date with the Sixers

Jayson Tatum Shares His Perspective on Bucks' First-Round Exit

Film Room: Roots of Celtics' Game 5 Fourth Quarter Collapse

Celtics Praise Robert Williams for Impact in What They Deemed a Must-Win Game 4: 'Can't Even Give Words to What Rob Does on Our Team'