If you’ve spent any time watching the Boston Celtics lately, you’ve definitely seen that green and white jersey with the number 7 slashing toward the rim. That's Jaylen Brown. It's a number that has become synonymous with a specific kind of explosive, high-IQ basketball in Boston. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine him wearing anything else at this point.
But why did he pick it? And what number was he before the bright lights of the TD Garden?
The Magic of the Number 7 Explained
Basically, for Jaylen Brown, the number 7 isn't just a random digit assigned by a equipment manager. It’s deeply personal. Brown has spoken openly about how he sees sevens everywhere. He’s called it a "spiritual" and "divine" number. Kinda wild, right? He even told a story about how, when he was just 12 or 13 years old, his mom gave him a journal. She told him to write down his dreams. One of those entries? "I want to be number 7 in the NBA."
It’s one of those rare moments where life actually mirrors the plans we made as kids.
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When he arrived in Boston as the third overall pick in 2016, the choice wasn't exactly easy. The Celtics have more retired jerseys than some teams have players. The rafters are crowded. However, the 7 was available because Jared Sullinger had recently moved on. Brown jumped at the chance to fulfill that childhood journal entry.
Before the Pros: Jaylen Brown’s Previous Numbers
You might be surprised to learn that Jaylen didn't always rock the seven. During his high school days at Wheeler High School in Georgia and his lone, dominant season at the University of California, Berkeley, he actually wore number 0.
Why the switch?
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- High School & College: He was a "Zero" guy. At Cal, he used it to represent his focus and perhaps the idea of starting from nothing.
- Summer League Hitch: When he first suited up for the Celtics in the 2016 Summer League, he actually wore number 9 temporarily.
- The Shift: Once the regular season rosters settled and jersey availability opened up, he transitioned to his preferred 7.
It's interesting because his teammate, Jayson Tatum, wears number 0 now. If Jaylen had kept his college number, one of them would have had to budge. Instead, the "Jays" have become iconic as 0 and 7.
741: More Than a Jersey
If you’re a real fan, you’ve probably seen the brand 741. This is Jaylen’s own performance and sneaker brand. The "7" in 741 is a direct nod to his jersey number and his spiritual connection to it. In his view, the number 7 represents wisdom and spiritual awakening. The 4 stands for hard work and stability, while the 1 is all about new beginnings.
He actually turned down huge endorsement deals—we're talking upwards of $50 million—to bet on himself and launch 741. It's a move that fits his personality: independent, a bit intellectual, and very focused on ownership.
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What the Number 7 Means for the Celtics' Future
Right now, Jaylen Brown is a four-time All-Star and a Finals MVP. He’s already helped hang Banner 18 in the rafters. Because of that, people are already asking: Will that number 7 be retired one day?
The Celtics are notoriously picky about retiring numbers, but with a championship and a Finals MVP trophy under his belt, Brown is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He’s currently locked into a long-term contract, meaning we’re going to be seeing that number 7 in Boston for a long time.
Quick Facts About Jaylen's Number Career
- Current NBA Number: 7
- College Number (Cal): 0
- High School Number (Wheeler): 0
- Short-term Summer League Number: 9
- Brand Name: 741
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to grab a Jaylen Brown jersey or just want to follow his career more closely, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Verify the Era: If you see a Jaylen Brown #9 jersey, it’s a rare piece from his very first Summer League stint. Authentic game jerseys from his regular season career will always be #7.
- Watch the Brand: Keep an eye on the 741 releases. Unlike standard athlete collaborations with big brands, these are entirely owned by Brown, making them a unique piece of sports business history.
- Follow the Stats: As of 2026, Jaylen continues to lead the Celtics alongside Tatum. His jersey is consistently one of the top sellers in the NBA store, so if you're buying for a collection, keep it in pristine condition—it might be hanging in the rafters sooner than you think.