Jaylen Brown isn’t the odds-on favorite to win MVP this season - not with names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama dominating the conversation. But if you ask Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, the Boston Celtics star should be at the top of that list. And he made that crystal clear during All-Star Weekend.
“When I look around the NBA, and for me, the criteria is: How productive are you for your team? How impactful are you to your team?
The leadership that you're providing. What are you up against, against the other MVPs?”
McGrady said, laying out his personal MVP checklist.
By that standard, Brown checks every box.
Let’s break it down. The Celtics have been hit hard by injuries and absences this season.
Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis - all have missed time. Jayson Tatum, Brown’s co-star and perennial All-NBA candidate, has also been sidelined.
That’s a lot of veteran leadership and firepower gone from the lineup. And yet, Boston keeps winning - thanks in large part to Brown.
“You're playing both sides of the ball,” McGrady continued. “You're averaging 28, 29 points.
Third in the Eastern Conference.” (Technically, Boston is sitting second in the East right now - even more reason to take notice.)
Brown’s not just putting up big numbers - he’s doing it while carrying a heavier load than he’s ever had in his career. He’s stepped into a leadership role, anchoring both ends of the floor and helping integrate new faces into the Celtics’ system. That’s no easy task, especially in a conference that’s as competitive as it’s ever been.
Meanwhile, some of the other MVP frontrunners - guys like Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić - have missed time this season, but they’ve had the benefit of more stability around them. Their core teammates are returning, their rotations are intact. Brown hasn’t had that luxury.
That’s what McGrady is pointing to. It’s not just about the stats - though Brown’s are strong.
It’s about context. It’s about impact.
It’s about stepping up when your team needs you most.
And right now, Jaylen Brown is doing exactly that. Whether the voters see it the same way remains to be seen. But in the eyes of a Hall of Famer who knows a thing or two about carrying a team, Brown’s already earned MVP status.