NBA Notebook: Jaylen Brown introduces local business program at All Star weekend

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Jaylen Brown asked the group gathered at Oakstop, a community organization not far from where the Celtics star attended college at California-Berkeley, to excuse him. He felt under the weather and warned his voice would sound monotone. The attendees at the event, some chatting through earlier speakers including the mayor, locked in when he stepped to the podium. Discussing gentrification, abandoned buildings, incarceration rates and how business development could combat those woes in Oakland and other cities, Brown introduced a new business district plan above 19th Street Station at the heart of the city that hopes to inspire locals to build and sustain wealth locally. 

"The bad news is it’s gonna take a lot of work, but the good news is we’re ready to fight," Brown said in his brief speech. "It’s a different world, it’s a different generation…the world is changing through technology and innovation ... before it took expertise, resources and a lot of excess motivation to start a business. In today’s time, through the use of technology, it’s much more accessible and practical to start a business." 

The announcement of the facility came as the next step in Brown's roughly year-old Xchange program that started between Boston and Oakland, receiving support locally in either city from Jrue Holiday and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. While he aims to expand to other cities, the program ties to his college and professional homes as his fourth all-star berth brought him back to his short yet impactful stay in the Bay Area. Brown fondly remembers the connection he built around Oakland, an internship with a venture capital firm and many have told the story of the graduate level classes he attended at Cal. While rarely able to visit the area anymore, his alignment with local leaders allowed for a partnership. 

Local businessman Shawn Granberry, who hosted Friday's event at Oakstop, connected Brown and Trevor Parham, an Oakland activist who founded Oakstop in the spirit of what Xchange became roughly one decade before Brown's idea. They merged the two to form the Oakland leg of Xchange and have worked together since to form the business district that will serve as an incubator for development. Brown stressed utilizing A.I. to streamline processes, make business formation more accessible and formulate marketing strategies. 

"Our building at 1721 Broadway has three levels," Parham said. "On those three levels, we have a mix of spaces that are used to for training and events, and they also have office spaces and open co-working spaces, and what we plan to do is we also plan to renovate that building with a whole bunch of new offices that can serve that incubator function. So the overall idea is that you have a building that simultaneously houses nonprofits that can provide education and learning to organizations and individuals, but then you also have office spaces that can house those folks that are building those businesses." 

The setting, above what Parham said is the most traveled BART subway station in the Bay Area, adds to the accessibility that hopes to mobilize the greater city. That's also Brown's job, using his voice to bring attention toward the cause that Parham already spearheaded but needed more publicity for. While Brown can't observe and maintain the space day-to-day, his platform allowed for a wider audience to turn their attention toward issues Oakland, Boston and other cities face that they believe they can combat with an entrepreneurial spirit and the introduction of resources, like A.I., that underserved communities often receive last, Brown said. 

California defined Brown's identity and who he wanted to become, and he pointed out college as an underrated part of anyone's development. He saw familiar faces at Oakstop, including Erik Moore, who interned with him and later founded Base Ventures. Brown's journey to Boston and the Celtics tied him first to MIT and Harvard, where he spoke, taught and eventually developed the Bridge Program for his education passion. Challenging the sneaker industry and its control over athletes, he formed 741 as what he dubbed the future of performance shoes and athlete wear. Xchange adds the business and technology aspects to his portfolio of civic engagement, his approach less political than practical in what often becomes a charged climate discussing societal issues. Through his 7uice clothing brand, he charged high prices so he could get clothes to those who couldn't afford them. At 741, the more expensive adult sneakers subsidize cheaper children's ones. At Xchange, he funded 10 business ideas around Boston in a variety of fields -- from arts to apps.  

"I launched an incubator fund," Brown told Boston Sports Journal. "Jrue Holiday and I actually teamed up to launch an incubator fund and we invested in 10 businesses ... shoutout to Jrue and Lauren (Holiday) for that, they're amazing. Then, here in Oakland, we're looking to do the same, partnering with Base Ventures, a place where I interned, a venture capital firm I interned at when I was here and we identified businesses that are already doing well, fulfill them with programs and fulfill them with things that they need, and give them the resources ... to take it to the next level. Then as they do well, they re-invest to the next community so they can take it to the next level ... J.Kidd has been a part of it, and we're gaining influencers and people with platforms. The more we talk about it, the more we bring it up, the more people are aligned." 

Brown didn't disqualify the businesses that didn't make the final 10 last year, and committed to choosing some who weren't selected in their next round of funding. They're going to repeat that process 5-10 more times in coming years to maximize their reach. When Brown signed a five-year, $285.4 million contract that began this season and at the time marked the richest in NBA history, he said at his press conference for the signing that he wanted to reinvest it in the community. That's where the Xchange idea formed. 

Back in Oakland the next day for the All Star Game's media day, an obvious shift in atmosphere from the glitzy Chase Center, with a far more passionate fan presence in the stands for the team practices, Brown joked that he didn't know what was going on with the game's new format. He received the round of ridiculous questions -- what would he change as commissioner? Would he wear a chain in-game if he could? Does he have Filipino friends? The NBA's event sounded second to the work he prioritized the day before and the backdrop of the Warriors leaving Oakland followed by the Raiders and Athletics wasn't lost on him in the round of questions. He made the city's trend the focus of his speech the day before. 

"We will keep the light shed on Oakland," he said. "We intend to bring awareness, attention and a media presence so some of these issues aren't gonna be forgotten about. We'll keep aligning, we'll keep coming together, we'll keep shining a light on what's going on in Oakland, and you guys see it, you guys know what's going on in communities like this, and also other communities in the US ... things have transpired to ensure communities' like these demise ... lack of resources. All of this is intentional to push people out and push other people in. Our goal is to slow this down or actually prevent this."  

Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...

Boston (39-16): Jayson Tatum stormed into all-star weekend averaging 35.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG and 4.3 APG on 49.4% shooting (37.5% 3PT), including playing 15 straight minutes against the Knicks and 21 at Miami to close out both games. Jaylen Brown sat out the final two games before the break while Jrue Holiday missed four straight with a shoulder ailment that plagued him earlier in the year. The Celtics won all three games, winning 8-of-10 into the break and built a 2.5 game lead on the Knicks for the second seed. They still trail Cleveland by 5.5 and resume the second half on Thursday at Philadelphia. Brad Stevens denied another round of rumors that he could become the next coach at Indiana. Associate coach Sam Cassell told Heavy that he'll listen if Florida State calls about their upcoming head coaching vacancy. Cassell is expected to become a leading candidate. 

Charlotte (13-39)/Lakers (32-20): The Lakers rescinded the Mark Williams trade, a rare move that returned Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and multiple firsts to LA and leaves the Lakers thin at center for the rest of the season. Medical concerns reportedly emerged over Williams regarding multiple issues surrounding his physical. He only played in 85 out of 212 games to begin his career with the Hornets due to injuries to his back and other areas. The Lakers previously expressed confidence in Williams' health after making the trade, and while the Hornets welcomed him back in a statement, they'll reportedly dispute the Lakers' decision through the NBA. LA signed free agent center Alex Len to pad their inside depth following the Anthony Davis trade. Luka Dončić had asked for a center addition following his arrival from Dallas. He and LeBron James combined for 38 points and 12 assists in a dazzling debut together where the Lakers blew out the Jazz. They lost two nights later in a rematch with Utah to close out the first half in fifth place. 

“We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization,” the Hornets wrote on Williams. “After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”

Dallas (30-26): A chaotic week following the already infamous Luka Dončić trade saw continued protests inside and out of the arena, the Mavericks needing to stop showing fans on the jumbotron to discourage protests and ejecting others who crossed a line somehow in how they expressed displeasure with the deal. Most called for Nico Harrison's firing and the sale of the team, and though Anthony Davis' stellar debut started as a sign of hope, posting 26 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes, he went down in his Dallas debut with an adductor injury that'll sideline him indefinitely. Max Christie's 17.3 PPG in his first six appearances provided little solace before Daniel Gafford, the last remaining rotation big on the team, suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain that'll cost him at least six weeks. Jason Kidd skipped his post game press conference after an overtime loss to the Kings on Monday, saying he needed more time to regroup and refocus after losing another player to injury. Harrison reportedly faced death threats over the trade.

Golden State (28-27): Jimmy Butler scored 25 points on 7-for-12 shooting in his Warriors debut, helping turn a double-digit deficit into a blowout win over the Bulls before posting at least 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists in his final three games before the break. Steve Kerr and Steph Curry lauded how fun it was to have Butler in the mix while Draymond Green called him a franchise-changer for the Warriors. The Warriors also beat the Bucks and Rockets, narrowly losing to the Mavs who received 42 points from Kyrie Irving. In a tightly packed west playoff race, they're 1.5 games ahead of the Suns for the 10th and final postseason seed and trail the Clippers by 3.5 games for a spot above the play-in line. 

"Jimmy, he's a real deal," Kerr said. "I mean, just a complete basketball player, methodical, under control all the time, plays at his own pace, never turns it over, sees the game and then can get to the line frequently. Great closer, not in the traditional sense where he's going to be Kevin Durant and make four straight midrange jumpers, but it's more of a complete game. Get to the line, make the right pass, get somebody else an open look, get a defensive stop, get a rebound. He's a fantastic player."

Clippers (31-23): Won three straight into the break, finishing the first half as the six seed and receiving a pleasantly surprising boost from Ben Simmons, who signed with the team over Cleveland and Houston following his release from Brooklyn. Simmons scored 12 points with seven rebounds and six assists in his LA debut, coming off the bench more comfortable with an ancillary role rather than one elsewhere from earlier in his career with more pressing scoring responsibilities. He added that he felt wanted by the Clippers. 

“I spoke to a few different teams,” Simmons said. “That was the first thing (the Clippers) said to me: We see you as a point guard. And for me, that’s true, that’s my position. I see the floor, I want to get my guys going, get them easy buckets, control the pace. And then on the defensive end, I want to be a dog, I want to be able to get stops and put that pressure on the ball.”

Miami (25-28): The Andrew Wiggins era started with a flop against the Celtics on Monday, fighting early before their offense disappeared into the second half, shooting 36.4% with 42 points. They scored eight points in the fourth quarter in a loss to the Thunder, then fell again in a more modest showing at a Dallas team missing most of their roster. A bizarre stomach illness tore through the roster before the break, knocking out Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez, Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier through the final three games into the break. They're currently tied for the eighth seed in the east with Atlanta. 

New Orleans: Herb Jones will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a torn right rotator cuff. The injury season from hell continued into all-star weekend, with rookie standout Yves Missi becoming a late scratch for the Rising Stars challenge with a knee injury he suffered in the final game before the break. David Griffin introduced new additions Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk from the Brandon Ingram trade, who the team views as long term pieces. 

New York (36-18): Lost another blowout to the Celtics despite Jalen Brunson pulling them within three points in the third quarter, only to watch Jayson Tatum ravage them with 40 points in 37 minutes, 19 of them coming in the third quart as Boston pulled away. OG Anunoby (foot) remained out for the team's final five games, including the loss to Boston, before the break. Anunoby is expected back sometime after the break, according to ESPN, while Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is nearing clearance for five-on-five play and could make his season debut before March begins. The Knicks visit Boston on Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m. for the Celtics' second game of the second half. 

Oklahoma City (44-10): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the latest ESPN MVP straw poll, receiving 70 out of the 100 first-place votes with the remaining going to Nikola Jokić. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third, 430-299, ahead of Jayson Tatum in fourth place. Donovan Mitchell moved into fifth ahead of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. It would take a significant shift in the second half for Gilgeous-Alexander to not win his first MVP award at this point. For Tatum, fourth has become a familiar territory atop the game, but a hair behind the true contenders for the award. 

Orlando (27-29): Mac McClung became the first player to win three straight dunk contests at all-star weekend with a show-stopping performance that included what some declared the greatest dunk in the contest's history -- a full leap into a reverse slam over a Kia. McClung beat out Stephon Castle, Andre Jackson Jr. and Matas Buzelis for the crown, and declared this year's competition will likely be his last. McClung also competed with the G-Leaguers in the Rising Stars competition, surprisingly winning a game in the first round of the tournament alongside JD Davison but falling one win short of a spot on All-Star Sunday's tournament against Brown and Tatum's team. 

Philadelphia (20-34): Their season feels on the brink after losing five straight games and 7-of-10 into the break. Paul George's season-long struggles mounted with a two-point performance in 37 minutes in a loss to the Nets. George revealed that a groin injury and bent pinky finger on his left hand have limited him in recent weeks, while Joel Embiid said he'll need surgery eventually to address knee swelling that's plagued him all season. Both developments call into question how much Philadelphia should push to make the playoffs if their struggles continue and whether they'd be better suited getting George and Embiid the treatment they need early. The Sixers are currently tied for the sixth-best lottery odds with Brooklyn and owe a first-rounder that's top-six protected to the Thunder from the 2020 Al Horford salary dump. The Sixers host Boston to begin the second half on Thursday. 

Phoenix (26-28): Kevin Durant will likely land elsewhere this summer entering the last year of his contract, according to Brian Windhorst, despite failed attempts by the Suns to find him a new home after unsuccessfully attempting to move Bradley Beal. The team's booming expenses, Beal's no-trade clause and comfort in Phoenix along with Devin Booker remaining the franchise's young cornerstone could spell an end to another disappointing chapter for Durant, though one that largely happened through no fault of his own. Durant would've likely become a Warrior again if he was interested in doing so, per multiple reports, while others outlined the possibility of him joining the Heat in a Jimmy Butler trade. The latter is now far more likely than the former with Jimmy Butler joining Golden State, though Minnesota and Memphis reportedly looked into a Durant deal too. At all-star weekend, Steph Curry shook off Durant's decision to forgo a reunion. 

"You need everybody to be all bought in no matter what the history you have. And I respect KD," Curry said. "It's all about having peace of mind and happiness. Neither one of us controlled that [trade] situation. It's just you want to make sure somebody wants to be somewhere. Other than that, I'm not trying to convince anybody to be somewhere they don't want to be."

Sacramento (28-27): Signed Markelle Fultz after the former No. 1 overall pick received interest from the Bucks and Clippers. Fultz did not sign with a team last offseason after several successful seasons with the Magic revived his career following a 2019 trade to Orlando. He focused on returning to full health following last year and was available on Thursday against the Pelicans, but did not play. The new-look Kings with Zach LaVine leading the back court split six games before the break, with LaVine averaging 21.5 PPG on 43.1% shooting. 

“This is the best I’ve ever felt since being in the league,” Fultz told The Sacramento Bee. “I never had the opportunity to take my time and get healthy, so being able to do that last summer has been great for me. I’m super excited for this opportunity and I’m thankful for it.”

San Antonio (23-29): Victor Wembanyama shined with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks even in a slow night by his standards as his Spurs fell to 0-3 against the Celtics in his career. Kristaps Porziņģis embraced the matchup, pulling out his most complex post moves of the season to get shots over the seven-footer and manipulated Wembanyama's help defense to pull off one of the best plays of Boston's season so far. 

Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson, who coached Derrick White with G-League Austin during White's rookie season, told a great story of the eventual champion's development before the game. Johnson also said San Antonio's focus remains on Gregg Popovich's health and recovery after he suffered a stroke earlier this season. 

Toronto (17-38): Signed Brandon Ingram to a three-year, $120 million extension after acquiring him from the Pelicans before the trade deadline. Tristan Thompson blasted Darko Rajakovic and the Raptors for their late press in a 131-108 Cavs win after they criticized his late dunk. Kenny Atkinson also took some issue with the decision. Thompson later defended it. 

Washington (9-45): Khris Middleton thanked Milwaukee in a post one week following his trade from the Bucks for Kyle Kuzma. Marcus Smart spoke for the first time since his trade from Memphis as he continues his recovery from a finger injury. He expected a move, but was surprised by the last-minute nature of the deal. Malcolm Brogdon and Smart will oversee the team's youth development through the rest of the season, which they've both committed to, though Brogdon fell with a left ankle sprain before the break.