Jaylen Brown is cooking-and not just in flashes. Through the early stretch of the season, the Celtics wing is putting together arguably the most complete basketball of his career. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Brown has stepped into the spotlight, and he’s doing more than just holding down the fort-he’s thriving in a lead role.
In 20 games, Brown is averaging 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He’s shooting 49% from the field and knocking down nearly 35% of his threes.
But the real growth? It’s coming from the in-between game.
Brown has become one of the NBA’s most dangerous mid-range scorers, blending power, pace, and polish into a scoring package that’s been flat-out tough to contain. There have been stretches where he’s looked unguardable-getting to his spots, elevating with confidence, and hitting tough shots over contests.
Now, is that enough to crack the MVP conversation? Probably not.
The top tier of the MVP race is looking like a locked-in group right now-Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić are putting up video game numbers, and Jokić in particular is on another planet statistically. That’s no knock on Brown; it’s just a reflection of how high the MVP bar is set these days.
But while the MVP buzz might not be building, Brown’s All-Star case is a lock, and his All-NBA candidacy is very much in play. A second- or third-team All-NBA nod would be a well-earned recognition of the leap he’s making-not just as a scorer, but as a more complete offensive engine.
What’s been most impressive is how Brown has evolved as a playmaker. He’s reading defenses better, making smarter passes, and finding teammates in rhythm.
That part of his game has often been a work in progress, but this season, it’s clear he’s put in the time. And defensively, he’s holding his own, taking on tough assignments and using his physical tools to make an impact on that end.
This stretch without Tatum isn’t just about survival for Boston-it’s a proving ground. And Brown is proving that he can be the guy.
That matters now, and it’ll matter even more when Tatum returns. The reps Brown is getting as the primary option are going to pay off when the Celtics are back at full strength.
With both stars firing, Boston becomes a nightmare matchup-versatile, explosive, and balanced.
So no, Jaylen Brown might not be in the MVP race this year. But he is making a statement-a loud one.
He’s showing that he’s not just a co-star. He’s a cornerstone.
And if the Celtics are going to chase Banner 18, they’ll need this version of Brown every step of the way.