A few months ago, it was nearly impossible to predict where the Celtics would be in the standings. Key injuries and trades left the team in limbo. Many thought Boston wouldn’t even make it into the playoffs, or go far if they did.
Now? Boston is knocking on the door of history. The team is a threat to the league that once left them down in a ditch.
It’s all thanks to the efforts of Jaylen Brown’s leadership and MVP-like season. And yes, the season appears to warrant a justified case for him winning the MVP award.
Through over 50 games this season, Brown is averaging career-highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7.0), and assists (4.9) per game. He’s leading the team in scoring almost every single night. Brown is shooting better from the field (48.1 percent) and 3-point range (34.4 percent) than last season. That’s without teammate Jayson Tatum, out due to injury.
What does Brown have to do to prove he's the best in the game today?
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“I don’t know what the criteria is,” Brown said about the MVP race via The New York Post. “But I don’t always follow the rules, so that comes with consequences. So, I get it. But I’m just going to keep doing what I do. And we’ll see what happens.”
One would think there’s a crowded field for MVP. However, several players are ineligible since they won’t make the 65-game minimum requirement. That includes LeBron James, who endorsed Brown for MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and more. Notably, Nikola Jokic is close to missing the mark, as is Victor Wembanyama.
Given his competition, or lack of, and because of his stats, Brown believes there’s only one choice.
“I’m the best two-way player in the world,” Brown confidently said.
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It was thought the Celtics wouldn’t win more than 41 games after winning 61 a year ago. The team is preparing to defy expectations. That’s all thanks to the help of Brown, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and more.
Once the playoffs hit, anything is possible. But the Celtics will be a surprise team in the postseason. Brown, a former NBA Finals MVP, is ready to transfer that winning mentality over. He has enough confidence to pass around.
“I know everybody was counting us out,” Brown said. “But I knew it would make for a perfect story if we were able to figure it out. So, my mentality was being aggressive, play with a chip on my shoulder. But also lead my group through adversity, through the tough times to make sure we could come together at the right moments.”
When Brown is on, he’s unstoppable. Luckily for him, and unluckily for the league, he hasn’t stopped producing. That will make a potential long playoff run, and his potential status as a lock for MVP, must-see TV.