En route to returning to the NBA Finals for the first time in 21 years, the Boston Celtics faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. During this time, Times-News reporter Duane Rankin interviewed power forward P.J. Brown.
The Celtics signed Brown, a 14-year NBA veteran, as a free agent during the season. His role has increased in the playoffs. In Game 7 against the Cavaliers, Brown scored 10 points with six coming in the fourth quarter of a 97-92 win.
"If there is one thing that really sticks out is when P.J. Brown hit that jump shot," said Cleveland coach Mike Brown about Brown's jumper that put Boston ahead, 91-88, with a minute and 21 seconds remaining.
"That's why they got him. He's a veteran guy. He was composed. He was poised."
Now Brown will try to help the Celtics win their first NBA title since 1986. Brown and Rankin talked about Boston general manager Danny Ainge winning NBA executive of the year, Brown's longevity and Brown's future.
Q: First off, Danny Ainge was named the NBA’s executive of the year for obviously bringing all these guys in like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, James Posey, yourself and others, but I saw the size of the trophy. It looked like a glass coaster you put a drink on in terms of its size. Did that surprise you?
A: I noticed it, but I didn’t really think about it until you brought it up. It could have been bigger, man. Could have put a little more money into it. That’s a pretty prestigious award. They could have put some put some pounds in it or something. Spent a few extra dollars. Maybe you need to send a memo to (NBA) commissioner (David) Stern. It’s a big honor.
Q: It is a big honor because you’ve got to make….
A: Moves.
Q: Right. You’ve got to make decisions that not only affect this year, but….
A: For years to come.
Q: For years come.
A: I agree. I’m with you on that.
Q: You’ve had such longevity. Explain why P.J. Brown, after coming into the league so many years ago, is still playing and still contributing?
A: First and foremost, I thank God. I wouldn’t be here without him. I take my job seriously. I was able to accept my role early in my career. I realized early that, hey, I wasn’t going to be an All-Star. I wasn’t going to be one of the top players on the team, but I feel like I had to do my job to the best of my ability and whatever the coaches always asked of me, I was always prepared to do it. I’ve been a very good complementary player. Physically, I’ve been fortunate. Knock on wood, I haven’t had major injuries. I think that’s been a big part of it. I think I take good care of my body. I just play hard. Play hard and give 100 percent in practice and in the games. That’s all I can really say.
Q: It just seems like I don’t think people realize how long you’ve been in the league. You don’t look like you’ve been battling in the league as long as you have.
A: A lot of people don’t realize I went overseas for a year. My first year out of school, I went to Greece. My professional career has been 16 years. I can’t even believe it. It won’t really hit me until I shut it down and I say wow, I never, ever thought it would go this far.
Q: When do you think you’ll shut it down?
A: Good question. We’ll see what happens with how we finish up here. It’s a family decision. For me to come back, it was a family decision, and it will be the same thing after this is over. In the summertime, I’ll see however everyone feels and then I’ll go from there.
Q: Because they came after you. You were just sitting back and relaxing.
A: I was fortunate, man. I feel like I’m a very good team player. I’m going to buy into the system. I’m not going to be selfish. I’m going to play to win. That’s all a general manager or people around the league understand and feel about it.
Q: Thank you, P.J. Good luck.
A: Thank you.