Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Proposes 1-on-1 Event for NBA All-Star Week

Brown believes a one-on-one competition would bring back the "purity of the game".

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown expressed his support for adding a 1-on-1 event to the NBA All-Star Week festivities, stating that it would showcase the "purity of the game" and allow players to challenge each other in a "mano a mano" format. Brown named several players he would love to compete against, including Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell.

Why it matters

The NBA has long sought ways to reinvigorate its All-Star events, which have seen declining fan interest and star participation in recent years. Brown's proposal for a 1-on-1 competition could provide a fresh, exciting addition to the All-Star schedule and bring back the individual, one-on-one element that many fans find appealing.

The details

Brown expressed his fondness for the 1-on-1 format, noting that it requires players to excel on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. He suggested the event could be structured similar to boxing, with players challenging each other and the proceeds going to charity.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Week is scheduled for February 14-16.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who has been an NBA All-Star twice.

Luka Doncic

An All-NBA guard for the Dallas Mavericks and one of the league's brightest young stars.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An All-Star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder known for his elite scoring ability.

Jalen Brunson

The starting point guard for the New York Knicks and a rising young talent in the NBA.

Donovan Mitchell

An All-Star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers and one of the league's most dynamic scorers.

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What they’re saying

“I'm actually a big fan of the one-on-one, off the dribble sports. I think 'Ball is Life' is doing some stuff as well. I actually love watching because it reminds me like the purity of the game.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Forward (Yahoo Sports)

“It's ... just mano a mano. It's got people in the court talking trash. You know what I mean? You've got to play two sides. You've got to be an offensive and a defensive player, so I think that'll be great. And then you can do it like boxing, you can call a guy out, challenge some people.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Forward (Yahoo Sports)

“There's some people I would love to challenge. Some people that's here this weekend, I would love to challenge all of them. Luka (Doncic), (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), (Jalen) Brunson. Donovan (Mitchell). I'd challenge all them one-on-one. You could donate to whatever charity – let's set it up.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Forward (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The NBA would need to consider Jaylen Brown's proposal and gauge interest from other players and fans before potentially adding a 1-on-1 event to the All-Star Week schedule.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's idea to incorporate a 1-on-1 competition into the NBA All-Star festivities could reinvigorate the event and bring back the individual, one-on-one element that many fans find appealing. The league will need to weigh the potential benefits against any logistical challenges, but Brown's enthusiasm for the concept suggests it could be a hit with players and fans alike.