{"id":148325,"date":"2025-07-01T18:19:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T22:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=148325"},"modified":"2025-07-01T18:26:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T22:26:24","slug":"jaylen-brown-is-poised-to-silence-his-doubters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/01\/jaylen-brown-is-poised-to-silence-his-doubters\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaylen Brown is Poised to Silence His Doubters"},"content":{"rendered":"

For most of his career, Jaylen Brown<\/a> has been viewed as an elite second option, but many people believe he can never be a first option. These concerns should already be shut down after Brown won Finals MVP in 2024, providing elite and efficient two-way production. However, despite his achievements, many people still doubt Brown’s greatness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jayson Tatum<\/a>\u2019s Achilles injury is a devastating blow to the Boston Celtics and something no one would wish for. Perhaps the lone silver lining of this injury is that Brown has a chance to silence his doubters this upcoming season. Undoubtedly, Tatum is a more gifted scorer and impactful all-around player. Regardless, Brown can be considered a No. 1 option-level player as well. Let\u2019s dive into why Brown is poised to have a career season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaylen Brown is Poised to Silence His Doubters<\/h2>\n
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Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots a free throw against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Throughout Brown\u2019s career, when Tatum misses games, he steps up. In 39 games without Tatum, Brown has posted averages<\/a> of 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. This is a significant increase from Brown\u2019s career averages of 19 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We saw Brown step up without Tatum in the playoffs, both in Game 2 against the Orlando Magic when he poured in 36 points and 10 rebounds, and later in Game 5 against the New York Knicks when he notched 26 points and 12 assists. This year, the Celtics went 8-2 in games that Brown played, but Tatum didn\u2019t. Of course, this isn\u2019t to say that Tatum isn\u2019t valuable, but it proves that Brown is comfortable stepping into a first option role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brown’s Elite Two-Way Impact<\/h3>\n

Similar to Tatum, Brown is an elite isolation scorer capable of leading an offense. However, Brown does so in different ways, using his elite athleticism and downhill scoring. The Celtics’ offense is built around the drive-and-kick game, emphasizing the Jays as shot creators and playmakers. <\/span>Notably, Brown’s playmaking has improved<\/a> a ton recently. He is coming off a season where he averaged 4.5 assists, and in games without Tatum, he averaged 6.7 assists. Expect Brown\u2019s assist numbers to be closer to this 6.7 average in the 2025-26 season. Brown’s improved playmaking, paired with his already elite shot creation, will help him handle more offensive responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jaylen Brown has been playmaking out of the post like a demon this season. pic.twitter.com\/oSdb1JQl5S<\/a><\/p>\n

— Wayne Spooney (@WSpooney) December 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n