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As players age, athleticism naturally begins to wane — and for Jaylen Brown, that transition means it’s time to evolve. The Boston Celtics star has acknowledged the importance of adapting his style, and he’s turning to a familiar face for inspiration: Paul Pierce.
Interestingly, Pierce was present at the Celtics game when Brown revealed he had been studying footage of the former Finals MVP.
“It's funny because he was at the game today, but before the game, I was watching some Paul Pierce footage,” Brown shared. “Just getting to your spots, playing at a certain pace. And today I felt like I didn't have my normal burst, but I was still able to be effective.”
Pierce, who helped lead Boston to the 2008 NBA Championship, was never the most explosive athlete — particularly in the later stages of his career — but his ability to score efficiently by relying on precision and positioning made him a perennial threat. Brown sees value in emulating that approach.
“[I’m] using more of my skill, playing a little bit slower, which could sometimes be a good thing,” he explained. “So it’s all about just figuring that out. And I’ve been using these games to kind of figure it out. And, just taking it one day at a time.”
Jordan Reflects on Rodman’s Unique Role in Bulls Dynasty
The Chicago Bulls’ second three-peat in the late 1990s remains one of the most iconic runs in sports history — and while Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were the franchise’s pillars, the addition of Dennis Rodman brought a different kind of energy to the team.
Rodman joined the Bulls for the 1995-96 season, helping the team win another title, this time over the Seattle SuperSonics. They followed that up with back-to-back wins over the Utah Jazz in the following two seasons. Through it all, Rodman’s eccentricities never derailed the team’s mission.
"His dress didn't bother me," Jordan stated. "His hair didn't bother me. He's gonna go wacko every now and then. We'd come to live with that, We've come to accept that."
Despite the off-court distractions — which included spontaneous Vegas trips, suspensions, and his signature wild hairstyles and tattoos — Rodman’s effort on the court earned him Jordan’s respect.
"I can't find another player on the basketball court that works just as hard as Dennis Rodman," said Jordan. "He gives 110 percent, dives at loose balls even if he can't get them. That's Dennis Rodman. I don't have a problem with Dennis."
In the end, Rodman’s relentless hustle and unique presence played a crucial role in helping the Bulls cement their legacy with another three-peat, capped off by their 1998 Finals victory over Utah.
