Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics has been playing lights out. Brown, who is in his fifth season, has taken a giant leap as a player. The forward in eight games is averaging 26.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on the season. This is nearly a seven-point increase from last year where he averaged 20.3 points.
Brown not only increased his scoring output but his efficiency has been simply fantastic. He currently sits at a 57% field goal percentage and shooting 42.9% from three. These shooting splits are on pace for career highs for the 24-year-old forward. Brown’s shooting percentage will dip as the season progresses, but for now, he is playing above and beyond expectations.
A Chip on His Shoulder
Brown came into the season expected to be a borderline all-star. Last season, he was in the mix for an all-star selection but fell just short. It seems that Brown took that snub of a selection to heart, and has come back as arguably one of the best players in the league. In eight games he has out-performed his teammate Jayson Tatum; who was an MVP candidate last season. Tatum is still very good, and with Brown playing at the same level as Tatum it is fair to say that Brown will deserve an All-Star nod this season.
With career highs in points, assists, and every shooting category, Brown has elevated his game. This leap not only brings him into the conversation of being an all-star but possibly even an MVP, although that seems like a bit of a reach. But if he continues this play and the Celtics keep winning behind his play it will seem more obtainable.
Making his Teammates Better
From Brown’s extensive leap comes more than just career highs. But his game is evolving the teammates around him. Tatum is now able to rely on a consistent partner to take shots for when he is double-teamed. Allowing Tatum to be free from extensive defensive schemes. The Celtics have seen more freedom from defenses as the season progresses, as they are trying to focus on Brown more consistently now. This allows Tatum to not only find better shots but also gives Brown the ability to create for Tatum.
Brown has also been helping Robert Williams grow. Brown has expanded his pick and roll ball-handling skills over the years. The pick-and-roll with Williams seems almost unstoppable with Brown handling the ball. Brown has been explosive to the rim, as he has been since he came into the league. He is also hitting his mid-range shots off the pick-and-roll at a very high rate. Thus making Williams a viable option in the play. With Brown hitting his shots and taking defenders with him allows Williams to freely attack the paint on the roll. The Celtics have seen Williams more involved in the offense due to Brown’s ability to draw in the extra defender in the pick-and-roll.
Jaylen Brown was snubbed as a 2019-2020 all-star. This season the forward will receive an all-star slot, and could possibly find himself even starting. The Boston Celtics will now have two all-stars on the roster. And could find themselves having two players in the MVP conversation by the end of the season.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
