Jaylen Brown Faces Extreme Disrespect Amid Historic Scoring Run: Snubbed in First All-Star Voting Returns

Introduction: A Historic December Overshadowed by Fan Voting Snub

As 2025 comes to a close on December 31, Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown is capping off one of the most dominant months in franchise history. Yet, in a twist that has sparked widespread outrage among fans, analysts, and even Brown himself, the 29-year-old wing failed to crack the top five vote-getters in the Eastern Conference in the NBA’s first All-Star fan voting returns released on December 29. Sitting sixth overall in the East with over 800,000 votes—behind guards like Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Donovan Mitchell, despite being classified as a frontcourt player—Brown’s placement has ignited debates about popularity versus performance in the league’s fan-driven selection process.

Brown, carrying a revamped Celtics roster without injured co-star Jayson Tatum, has been on an absolute tear. In December alone, he led the NBA with 32.7 points per game, earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors twice (including for December 22-28), and tied Larry Bird’s franchise record with nine consecutive 30-point games. His response to the voting results—a blunt “I agree PR contest” on social media—encapsulated the frustration: Here is a player delivering MVP-caliber production, yet overlooked in early fan balloting for the 2026 All-Star Game in Inglewood.

This perceived disrespect comes at a pivotal moment in Brown’s career, as he silences doubters who questioned his ability to lead without Tatum. The Celtics, projected by many to struggle in a transitional season after offseason trades and Tatum’s Achilles recovery, have instead remained contenders in the East, largely on Brown’s broad shoulders.

Brown’s Historic December: Tying Bird and Dominating the League

Jaylen Brown’s December 2025 will go down as one of the greatest individual months in Celtics lore. Averaging an NBA-best 32.7 points per game across the month, Brown showcased efficiency and volume rarely seen. He shot over 55% from the field in key stretches, climbed to 43.2% from three in his nine-game streak, and drew fouls at an elite rate—averaging nine free-throw attempts per game, a significant jump from earlier in the season.

The highlight was his scoring streak: Nine straight games with 30+ points, tying Larry Bird’s longstanding franchise record set in the 1984-85 season. Performances included 37 points against Portland (despite a loss), multiple 30-31 point outings against Indiana, and consistent dominance against top defenses. Brown’s streak featured relentless rim attacks, improved midrange mastery, and clutch playmaking, with career-high assists in several games.

Beyond scoring, Brown contributed 6-7 rebounds, 3-5 assists, and 1-2 steals per game, while facing the league’s toughest matchups (95th percentile in matchup difficulty per advanced metrics). His true shooting percentage soared to over 64% during the streak. The Celtics posted the NBA’s best offensive rating in December (around 124 points per 100 possessions), with Brown as the engine.

Twice named Eastern Conference Player of the Week in December—once earlier in the month and again for December 22-28—Brown edged out competitors like Jalen Brunson. His weekly averages during the latest honor: 32.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals on elite efficiency. This marked his sixth career Player of the Week award, placing him fourth in Celtics history.

In a grueling road stretch, Brown kept Boston competitive, helping secure wins over tough opponents while navigating fatigue and roster absences (e.g., Chris Boucher out for personal reasons). His leadership shone, with teammates like Payton Pritchard publicly stating Brown “should be in the MVP conversation.”

The All-Star Voting Snub: Sixth in the East Despite Frontcourt Dominance

On December 29, the NBA released the first fan voting returns for the 2026 All-Star Game. In the Eastern Conference frontcourt, Giannis Antetokounmpo led, followed by Jayson Tatum (despite being sidelined), Karl-Anthony Towns, and others. Brown, as a forward, ranked behind these but overall sixth in the East when including guards—trailing Maxey, Brunson, Cunningham, and Mitchell in total votes.

With over 800,000 votes and nearly 300,000 more than seventh-place KAT in some counts, Brown’s position was respectable but underwhelming given his play. Fan voting, which accounts for 50% of starter selection (with players and media at 25% each), often favors market size, flash, and name recognition. Guards like Maxey (Philadelphia) and Brunson (New York) benefit from big-market exposure, while Brown’s quieter persona and Boston’s team success (sometimes overshadowing individuals) may contribute to lower fan turnout.

Brown’s tweet—”I agree PR contest”—in response to a post criticizing the process as a “popularity contest” went viral. He highlighted how All-Star voting rewards “name recognition, social media presence, and off-field narratives” over on-court impact. Analysts agreed: Brown’s production warranted top-three frontcourt consideration, yet he trailed even inactive players like Tatum in votes.

Reddit threads and media exploded: “Embarrassing as hell that Jaylen is at 6th,” one fan wrote. Others noted past “smear campaigns” or reputation issues may linger, despite Brown’s Finals MVP, championship, and consistent excellence.

Why This Feels Like Disrespect: Performance vs. Popularity

The disconnect is stark. While Brown tied Bird’s record and led the league in scoring during the voting window (which opened December 17), fans prioritized other narratives. Giannis, despite missing games due to injury, boasts global appeal. KAT’s move to New York amplified his visibility. Guards dominate voting due to exciting playstyles.

Yet Brown’s case is ironclad: Leading a contender without its best player, posting career highs, and delivering two-way impact (elite defense alongside scoring). Projections have him as an All-NBA lock, potentially First Team—his first. MVP buzz grows, with Pritchard and coach Joe Mazzulla endorsing him.

This isn’t new for Brown. Drafted third in 2016 amid skepticism, doubted on his supermax, questioned in trade rumors, and snubbed for Olympics/All-Defensive teams—Brown has thrived on proving doubters wrong. His 2024 Finals MVP silenced many; this season’s carry job could elevate his legacy further.

Critics argue voting is early and fans may rally (voting continues until January 14, with updates upcoming). Media and player votes could propel Brown to a starter spot—his fourth or fifth All-Star nod. Reserves are coach-selected.

Still, the initial snub stings, especially amid a historic run. It underscores All-Star voting flaws: A “PR contest” where performance sometimes takes a backseat.

Broader Context: Celtics’ Resilience and Brown’s Leadership

Boston’s 2025-26 season was billed as a bridge year. Tatum out long-term, trades of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and others for cap relief—yet the Celtics hover near the East’s top with strong play. Additions like Anfernee Simons, emergences of Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Payton Pritchard complement Brown.

Mazzulla’s adjustments—smaller lineups, youth integration—succeed because of Brown’s gravity. His maturation as a leader: Vocal in huddles, demanding effort, elevating teammates.

Off-court, Brown’s intellect (MIT visits, foundation work) adds depth, but on-court, he’s redefining himself as a true No. 1.

Looking Ahead: Voting Rally, Potential Records, and Playoff Push

Voting remains open—Celtics fans mobilized post-returns, urging daily votes. Next update January 9; starters announced later.

Brown had a chance to break Bird’s record December 30 vs. Utah but finished with 23 points (streak ended at nine) in a win, dishing 10 assists instead.

Into 2026, Brown’s play positions him for Player of the Month, All-NBA, and MVP consideration. If Tatum returns, a Brown-fueled foundation could fuel a deep run.

Conclusion: Respect Earned on the Court

Jaylen Brown’s historic December—tying Bird, dual Player of the Week honors, league-leading scoring—demands recognition. The All-Star voting snub, placing him outside the East’s top five, feels like extreme disrespect amid peak performance.

Yet history shows Brown thrives here. This “PR contest” slight may fuel him further. As 2025 ends, one truth stands: On the court, nobody’s doing it better than Jaylen Brown right now. The league—and fans—will catch up eventually.