Locked On Celtics – January 9, 2026

Episode Title: Jaylen Brown BLAMES Refs—Why Did He Really Struggle? | Anfernee Simons SHINES!
Host: John Karalis (Boston Sports Journal)
Guest: Tom Westerholm

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode unpacks Jaylen Brown’s controversial postgame comments blaming officiating for his struggles against Denver, while host John Karalis and guest Tom Westerholm analyze the real causes behind Brown’s performance—both the good and the bad. The Celtics’ role players, especially Anfernee Simons and Neemias Queta, are discussed for their contributions and development. The episode also dives into the evolving narrative surrounding the Trey Young trade and what it means for his reputation.

Key Discussion Points

Jaylen Brown’s Struggles and Referee Controversy

[03:02–14:45]

• Karalis and Westerholm begin by dissecting Jaylen Brown’s postgame press conference, where Brown repeatedly cited the referees as a major factor in his poor performance against Denver.
• Karalis emphasizes that postgame comments often serve as coded messages—not always literal answers to questions.
• While Brown’s stat line (33 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists on 29 shots) looked impressive, both hosts agree his in-game impact was lacking.

"Good for Jaylen Brown for turning himself into a player where he can put up those numbers. And it's like, man, you weren't very good today." – Tom Westerholm [04:04]

• Discussion turns to advanced stats and why they sometimes underrate Brown—pointing to defensive lapses, decision-making, and turnovers in key possessions.

• Westerholm points out that Brown only got three free throws despite aggressive drives, validating some frustration:

"Three free throws is not a lot...he did drive a lot, he did hit the ground a lot. That's all true." – Tom Westerholm [05:11]

However, Westerholm and Karalis critique Brown’s repeated deflections to officiating, enumerating missed defensive assignments and following with:

"...maybe talk about that stuff less so than the refs. Also maybe make your free throws." – Tom Westerholm [05:55]

Memorable Moment (Tactical Breakdown)

• Karalis uses game examples—like Brown’s failure to match up in transition, poor boxing out leading to fouls, and missed defensive switches—to argue for player responsibility over blaming refs:

"He gave up, I would say, eight to ten points by being out of position in that game. For sure." – John Karalis [09:32]

• Both hosts assert that letting referees get into a player’s head cannot become an excuse for lack of defensive effort, especially for someone who claims to be the league’s top two-way player.

Quote:

"If the refs being in your head is a problem, then...this is where you got to play through it, like, have a 40 point game, win the game...and then you go say, ‘Hey, by the way, the refs.’" – John Karalis [13:37]

Positives from the Denver Game: Anfernee Simons and Role Players

[16:35–22:28]

• Karalis brings up Anfernee Simons’ comfort and emergence as a key role player. Simons has found his rhythm, displaying high-level scoring and shot creation.

"The way he plays is so smooth and so aesthetically pleasing. Like, I just love watching him hoop." – Tom Westerholm [18:30]

• The hosts argue that scorers like Simons are rare and that his shot-making and shot-creation abilities are assets Boston simply can’t replicate easily given salary cap constraints.

• Simons’ skill in crafting shots and setting up defenders is praised as “pleasure to watch” basketball:

"He knows exactly how to set up a defender ... So, even though they know you like to do a certain thing, you still do it anyway because they have to respect a drive, they have to respect this move." – John Karalis [20:14]

• The potential for Simons to stay with Boston is debated, with Westerholm noting that unless a “no-brainer deal” comes along, Simons’s presence off the bench is invaluable.

• The development staff's knack for maximizing underappreciated bigs is also highlighted, leading into a discussion of Neemias Queta.

Neemias Queta’s Development & The Celtics’ Big Man Magic

[23:03–32:36]

• Karalis and Westerholm praise Queta’s improvements, specifically his 20-rebound game vs. Denver, and discuss how Boston's development staff continues to turn unheralded big men into quality contributors.

"I've seen this about Jaylen Brown, I've seen this about Keda...it's disrespectful to the player who actually did improve, who worked and got better and reached new heights." – John Karalis [29:14]

• Karalis emphasizes that Queta's growth is real, not just overlooked talent:

"He has worked very hard to prove people like me wrong. And I have no problem saying he's proven me wrong, but it's because he has gotten better." [29:56]

• Both agree that meaningful NBA development hinges on work ethic, not just raw physical gifts.

Trey Young Trade: Reality Check & Vindication

[32:36–39:02]

• The episode closes with a discussion about the Trey Young trade—Young being dealt at age 27 for 34-year-old CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, and zero draft picks.

"Getting traded at 27 years old for 34 year old CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert and zero picks. ... Mikal Bridges went for six first round picks." – John Karalis [33:48]

• Karalis and Westerholm feel vindicated after years of skepticism about Young’s fit as a winning NBA player.

• Both recap the market’s cold response to Young:

"The Wolves and Nets are like, 'Will you?' Nah. We're flattered, Trey.” – John Karalis [34:49]

• Karalis remains open to a Trey Young redemption arc if Young recognizes the need for self-improvement:

"I am telling everybody I'm willing to come around on Trey Young if he says, ... ‘I realized some things about how I'd carried myself.’ ... I'm open to it, because we all love a redemption story." – John Karalis [36:22]

• Westerholm expresses fatigue at being "right" about the Young discourse and just wants to watch good basketball:

"It's not fun to be a hater. It's fun to watch good basketball. And Trey Young hasn't been playing good basketball for a while." – Tom Westerholm [38:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jaylen Brown Blaming the Refs:
  "So many of the things that he says, 'I'm not going to make excuses' ... that's actually not an excuse. It's actually a good explanation. The ref thing, taking three answers out of five ... to turn it into 'the refs didn’t give me the calls.’ That is the excuse." – John Karalis [13:03]

• On Role Players Outperforming Expectations:
  "Brad Stevens can just pick out... go to the bargain bin and get bigs, man... you certainly don’t get [bucket getters like Simons] out of the G League." – Tom Westerholm [23:22]

• On Player Development:
  "To get better, to improve to this degree— that requires the thing that is worth praising." – Tom Westerholm [31:35]

• On the Trey Young Trade:
  "Right away, it's like, Trey Young has to be sitting there, like, so this is what it's come to. ... At 27 years old, you got to go to Washington and rebuild everything." – John Karalis [35:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:02] – Initial breakdown of Jaylen Brown's postgame comments
• [04:02] – Real talk: Why advanced stats don’t always love Brown
• [06:37] – Specific breakdowns of Brown’s defensive lapses
• [09:32] – Impact of Brown’s defensive breakdowns on the game
• [13:03] – Karalis draws line between explanation versus excuse
• [16:35] – Anfernee Simons praise and discussion of his fit/role
• [22:28] – Celtics’ big man “alchemy” and Neemias Queta's improvement
• [29:14] – Addressing the narrative that Queta “always had it”
• [33:48] – Trey Young trade analysis and market value
• [36:22] – Open call for Trey Young’s possible redemption arc
• [38:05] – Host’s sentiment: The goal is good basketball, not hater-ism

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Jaylen Brown’s struggles can’t simply be chalked up to officiating—defensive lapses and focus played a major role.
• Anfernee Simons stands out as a valuable offensive spark, and his comfort level is growing.
• Neemias Queta’s progress is a testament to Boston’s developmental system and his own work ethic.
• The Trey Young trade is a reality check for “empty stats” stars, but the door remains open for redemption if attitudes change.

The episode maintains the candid, critical-yet-optimistic tone Locked On Celtics is known for: supportive of player improvement, demanding of player accountability, and honest about the business side of basketball.

For further in-depth analysis and reaction, check out the YouTube-exclusive bonus segment covering the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s influence on the Trey Young market.

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