This off-season Jaylen Brown received a record-breaking five-year 304 million dollar contract. Many people were critical of this contract after a bad conference finals series from Brown. However, Brown has had another stellar year and is in the midst of an incredible stretch. As a result, he is proving many of his doubters wrong and is living up to his massive contract. Let’s dive into Brown’s season and improvements.
How Jaylen Brown Is Living Up To His Massive Contract
Recent Play
Brown is averaging 29.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, and 3.9 apg in March. With these numbers, Brown leads the team in scoring this month. This includes a season-high 41-point outburst against the Nuggets and a 37-point performance against the Suns to clinch a playoff spot. Brown’s 29-point contribution in just 22 minutes in a blowout win against the Warriors is also notable. While Tatum had a slower start in March Brown picked up the load in a massive way.
The Gold Standard Of Second Stars
Brown is the tone-setter for Boston his 7.3 1st quarter ppg lead the team. Brown’s elite shot creation and three-level scoring abilities are central to his success. When Brown’s in the zone he’s one of the hardest players to guard in the league. Brown has the complete package of finishing, shot-making, and shot-creation abilities. Having a second option capable of going for 30 plus any night is a true luxury for the Celtics. Brown’s improved all-around impact makes his recent scoring stretch even more impressive.
Ultimately Brown is the gold standard of second stars. While he is talented enough to be a number one option on a playoff team, Brown sacrifices this for the greater goal of winning a title with Boston. When Tatum struggles, Brown’s production noticeably goes up. This serves as a safeguard for when Tatum has a bad night or is injured. However for the most part this duo is incredibly consistent and their elite abilities complement each other nicely. Having two elite scoring wings makes the Celtics one of the hardest matchups in the league.
So far this season —
Brown without Tatum:
— 33.0 PPG
— 6.7 RPG
— 62/62%Tatum without Brown:
— 28.5 PPG
— 8.3 RPG
— 44/34% pic.twitter.com/hODSYtD9Tj— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 13, 2024
Defensive Impact
Quietly this has been one of Brown’s best defensive seasons. Despite an improved surrounding roster, Brown has never been so impactful defensively. Brown is an elite perimeter defender who regularly guards some of the league’s top players. Including guarding Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic this season. Brown’s impressive physical traits allow them to guard multiple positions and make him a nightmare matchup for opposing guards. Opponents are shooting just 40% on shots from 5 to 9 feet away with Brown as the primary defender. Furthermore Brown’s estimated defensive plus/minus ranks him in the 88th percentile. This impact has led to a campaign for Brown to be named to an All-Defensive team. The Celtics’ second-ranked defense combined with Brown’s defensive responsibilities and impact gives him a rock-solid All-Defense case.
An appreciation post for Jaylen Brown’s defense this season 🔒 pic.twitter.com/SrVFSCeRpX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 14, 2024
Other Improvements
Brown’s playmaking has greatly improved this year. This was a major point of contention for Brown, especially after the conference finals series against the Heat where he struggled to take care of the ball. Brown’s 3.7 assists per game this year are a career-high; his 2.3 turnovers per game are reduced from last year. In March Brown is averaging 3.9 assists and just 1 turnover per game. Brown has gotten noticeably better at reading the floor and making quick decisions.
A big part of Brown’s improved playmaking is establishing a two-man game with him and Kristaps Porzingis. Brown is averaging 1 assist per game to Porzingis, lineup stats highlight this two-man combination’s effectiveness. Furthermore Brown has improved his left hand. This year Brown looks much more comfortable driving with his left hand. In recent games including against the Nuggets Brown drove and finished with his left frequently. These improvements could be crucial come playoff time. Brown spoke about his improvements in a recent quote.
“Some of the stuff you could say about me last year you can’t say anymore.”
– Jaylen Brown
(Via @ByJayKing ) pic.twitter.com/4GLJ1ZjEWv
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 15, 2024
The Last Word On Jaylen Brown
Sure Brown isn’t a top-five level player like his contract suggests. However, he is a top-15 level player whose value and importance to the Celtics makes him worth the money. Brown’s value is often overlooked on a star-studded Celtics team. Nevertheless, Brown has once again improved his all-around game and elevated himself among the league’s best players. Ultimately Brown has proven himself in many ways this year and is certainly living up to his contract.
