Jaylen Brown said the Philadelphia 76ers is still developing its chemistry and defensive identity despite opening the 2026-27 season with a 7-1 record after Monday’s 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls.
“We still got a long way to go to being like a really, really solid great team,” Brown said after scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. “But we’ve been able to win some games. We started out the season great, seven and one, and you haven’t seen our best version yet.”
Brown also discussed his physical condition, revealing that knee, Achilles and calf issues have affected his explosiveness early in the season.
“I still haven’t felt very athletic like my normal self,” he said. “I’ve been feeling a little under the rim, you know, but I’m looking forward. I felt better today.”
Brown added that he was encouraged by his progress but still wanted to regain his usual ability to explode off the floor.
“I’m looking forward to getting that pop back in my step so I can, like, explode and take off,” he said.
Asked about Tyrese Maxey’s strong fourth-quarter performances, Brown credited the guard with leading Philadelphia alongside Joel Embiid.
“Maxey’s been leading the way 100%,” Brown said. “He’s been here. This is his team, and him and Joel have been here for a while. So, the mindset has been to complement those guys.”
Maxey scored 26 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and handed out 11 assists against Chicago.
Brown also explained his emphasis on rebounding, particularly as Philadelphia continues to work through its frontcourt combinations. He collected five offensive rebounds among his 11 total boards.
“Just a mindset,” Brown said. “Just trying to create extra opportunities for my team. I know that as we’re trying to patch together our fives and our front line, I try to make an extra contribution and emphasis on the glass.”
The forward said Philadelphia’s defensive habits remain his biggest priority. He wants the team to maintain consistent communication, execute its coverages and take away opponents’ tendencies every night.
“Those things I just explained are like over 50% of the battle,” Brown said. “Those are winning habits. If you let those things slip, that’s how you introduce losing.”
Brown was particularly firm about the standard he expects defensively.
“Our defense got to be non-negotiable,” he said. “You want to be a good team, defense is non-negotiable.”
He also rejected the idea that Philadelphia can simply turn up its defensive intensity when necessary.
“I don’t like that we have that,” Brown said. “It’s good that we have shown the potential, but we got to keep that switch on.”
Brown said the team needs to maintain its defensive mentality from the opening tip, regardless of the opponent or its offensive performance.
Philadelphia visits the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
