Moving forward with our top 25 list, we arrive at Jaylen Brown. The Boston Celtics wing is a two-way star and gifted shot-creator. Fresh off winning an NBA Championship, and Finals MVP Brown is finally getting the praise he deserves. Let’s examine Brown’s game and spot on this list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 13 – Jaylen Brown
One of the League’s Best Two-Way Stars
Brown is a dynamic three-level scorer with elite athleticism. His athleticism allows him to thrive as an efficient finisher and highlight dunker. This skill set lets Brown take over and control games. Brown’s combination of athleticism, speed, and strength makes him a lockdown defender. Despite carrying a heavy offensive load Brown is an elite on-ball stopper who often guarded the opposing team’s best player. Brown’s two-way abilities were on full display during the Celtics championship run. One common critique of Brown’s game has been his playmaking and ball handling. However, this past season Brown improved as a playmaker averaging a career-high in assists while reducing his turnover per game. His improvement as a playmaker can also be seen through his shot creation and pull-up game. Overall, Brown’s incredible two-way abilities paired with constant improvement cement his spot among the league’s best.
Jaylen Brown has been outrageously efficient (sans corners) on this playoff run…
24.4 PPG
6.4 PPG on 66.7 eFG% in transition
5.6 PPG on 54.7 eFG% on pull-upsConsistently killer scorer pic.twitter.com/la762OwlfT
— NBA University (@NBA_University) May 15, 2024
Season Recap
After years of deep playoff runs in Brown’s eighth season, he and the Celtics became NBA Champions. For most of his career, Brown was viewed as Jayson Tatum’s sidekick however, this past season Brown proved once and for all his so much more than simply a sidekick or co-star. Brown won both Finals MVP and Eastern Conference Finals MVP. His consistent scoring, clutch plays and lockdown defense helped him win these awards. In the playoffs, Brown averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on .516/.327/.660 shooting splits. Brown notably hit clutch shots in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and Game 3 of the finals. Brown’s ability to guard the team’s best perimeter or wing defender was crucial to the Celtics’ success in the finals he held Luka Doncic to 40.9 percent shooting.
Brown’s recognition from his incredible playoff run is notable considering he was left off both the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. This was despite being the second option and a two-way star on a dominant 64-win team. Brown posted averages of 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 49.9/35.4/70.3 shooting splits. Moreover, Brown shot 71.1 percent at the rim while ranking within the top 10 for matchup difficulty and posted a 44.8 defensive field goal percentage. Notably, Brown ranked in the 86th percentile for offensive plus/minus and the 88th percentile for defensive plus/minus. Ultimately, Brown’s elite two-way abilities and leadership shined throughout the Celtics championship run.
Season Outlook
The Celtics are favored to repeat as champions, and it’s clear Brown isn’t taking his foot off the gas. Brown’s mentality sets the tone for the Celtics; he is a true leader. Being left off Team USA will give Brown some extra motivation. After his playoff run, the Celtics may turn to Brown more in the clutch this season. Having two elite wing creators in Brown and Tatum is a true luxury for Boston. Also, expect Brown to get more All-Defense buzz after his elite defense in the playoffs. Without Kristaps Porzingis, Brown could also see a slight uptick in scoring. Considering Brown’s massive playoff run along with Tatum’s development as a playmaker, expect the duo’s scoring and offensive responsibilities to be more balanced than ever.
The Last Word
While 13 may seem high to some Brown is a proven champion who provides number one scoring production and incredible defense. Few stars can compare to Brown’s combination of shot creation and defense. Brown has consistently been one of the most important players on one of the league’s best teams. With his elite playoff run this past year Brown proved he belongs in a different class of players. Ultimately it’s time to give Brown his respect.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
