I Was So Wrong About Jaylen Brown…

Heading into the 2025–26 NBA season, the Boston Celtics faced uncertainty. The absence of superstar Jayson Tatum, sidelined for the year due to injury, left fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s ceiling. Would the Celtics tread water, or could they find a way to thrive? Now, halfway through the season, Boston has exceeded expectations, with Jaylen Brown at the center of an unexpected resurgence.

This article dives deep into Brown’s transformation into one of the league’s elite scorers, the evolution of the Celtics’ roster, and the broader implications for Boston’s future.

Preseason Expectations: A Gap Year?

When news broke that Tatum would miss the season, most projections for Boston became cautious. The Celtics still had much of their core intact, with Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a promising supporting cast, but the loss of a perennial All-NBA talent cast a shadow over their prospects.

Predictions for Boston’s win total ranged widely, from sub-.500 seasons to the possibility of sneaking into the playoffs. The consensus was clear: Jaylen Brown would need to step up as the team’s number one option if the Celtics were to remain competitive.

Jaylen Brown’s Breakout: From Star to Superstar

Jaylen Brown has answered every question—and then some. Through January, Brown is averaging an impressive 30.1 points per game, the highest mark in franchise history. His 50-point explosion against the Clippers highlighted his development, but the story goes far beyond single-game heroics.

What’s most remarkable isn’t just the scoring volume, but the efficiency and consistency with which Brown is producing. For the first time in his career, he’s posting a true shooting percentage more than two points above the league average, and his mid-range game has become one of the most lethal weapons in the NBA.

Efficiency and Shot Selection: A New Jaylen Brown

Historically, Brown’s reputation as a scorer was marred by questions about efficiency. As a secondary option, he often hovered around league-average true shooting, and many doubted he could improve while facing increased defensive attention.

This season, Brown has redefined his shot profile:

Mid-range Mastery: 34% of his attempts come from the mid-range, split evenly between short (10–16 feet) and long (16 feet to the three-point line) shots. He’s shooting 47% from short mid-range and an incredible 56.6% from long mid-range.
Finishing at the Rim: Brown is converting a career-high 78% of his attempts at the rim.
Three-Point Adjustments: He’s reduced his three-point volume, focusing on quality over quantity, and his accuracy has climbed to 37%, up from 34% over the previous four seasons.
Free Throws: Brown is averaging 7.5 free throw attempts per game, hitting them at a career-best rate.

This efficiency across all areas of the court has not only silenced critics but also elevated Brown into the league’s top echelon of scorers.

Ball Handling and Usage: Rising to the Challenge

One of the persistent narratives surrounding Brown was his ball-handling—specifically, whether he could thrive as a primary creator. This year, he’s put those doubts to rest. His usage rate has soared to 36.4%, a substantial increase over his previous career high of 31.4%. Brown is handling the ball more than ever, initiating offense, breaking down defenses, and creating scoring opportunities for himself and others.

While his assists per game have only marginally increased, and turnovers have ticked up, the overall impact of his ball-handling cannot be understated. He’s become a reliable initiator, capable of carrying the offensive load against elite defenses.

Two-Way Excellence: Defense Meets Offense

Perhaps most impressive is Brown’s commitment to defense, even as his offensive responsibilities have grown. In the recent win over the Clippers, Brown requested to guard Kawhi Leonard, one of the league’s hottest scorers. Brown held Leonard to 35% shooting while pouring in 50 points himself—a rare display of two-way dominance.

In an era where specialization is common, Brown is proving to be one of the few true two-way stars, consistently delivering on both ends of the floor.

The Supporting Cast: Unexpected Contributors

While Brown’s leap has garnered headlines, Boston’s supporting cast has quietly exceeded expectations. After the offseason departures of Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, many questioned whether the remaining roster could compete.

Derrick White: After a shaky start, White has bounced back, providing scoring, playmaking, and perimeter defense.
Jordan Walsh: Previously seen only in limited minutes, Walsh has emerged as a key contributor, shooting nearly 50% from three.
Payton Pritchard: Pritchard has provided scoring off the bench while avoiding major defensive liabilities—no small feat for a 6-foot guard.
Anthony Simons: Though his role has been smaller than expected, Simons remains a capable scorer.
Josh Minott: Minott’s athleticism and defensive versatility have made him a valuable two-way player.
Center Rotation: Neemias Queta has excelled as a traditional big, while Luka Garza offers a unique blend of floor spacing (47% from three) and offensive rebounding. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez, though not heavily featured, has shown flashes of high energy and upside.

This depth has allowed Boston to maintain the second-best offensive rating in the NBA, a testament to coaching and player development.

Coaching and System: Joe Mazzulla’s Impact

Head coach Joe Mazzulla has kept the Celtics’ system humming, even with Brown replacing Tatum as the focal point. The team’s offensive philosophy emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and versatility, allowing Brown to thrive in isolation and within the flow of the offense.

Mazzulla’s adaptability has been crucial, maximizing the strengths of his roster and fostering a culture of accountability and effort.

Historical Perspective: Brown’s Place in Celtics Lore

Brown’s 30-point scoring average is the highest in Celtics history—a remarkable achievement given the franchise’s storied past. Boston has traditionally favored a team-oriented approach, making Brown’s individual accomplishments even more impressive.

He’s joined the ranks of the league’s best mid-range scorers, rivaling stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant. Brown’s ability to score at all three levels, combined with his defensive impact, has made him arguably the best player in the Eastern Conference this season.

Comparing Stars: Brown vs. Tatum and the League’s Elite

While Tatum remains a superior rebounder, defender, and playmaker, Brown’s scoring efficiency and shot creation have surpassed his teammate’s traditional strengths. Brown’s healthy three-point volume and drive game offer a different dimension, and there’s a legitimate debate about who is the better scorer.

Around the league, Brown’s performance stacks up favorably against other stars. His season has outpaced expectations for players like Devin Booker and Jaylen Brunson, thanks to his combination of volume, efficiency, and two-way impact.

Looking Ahead: Integrating Tatum and Sustaining Success

The big question for Boston is how Brown’s expanded role will translate when Tatum returns. Ideally, Brown’s increased usage and confidence will persist, allowing the Celtics to deploy two elite scorers and maximize their offensive flexibility.

Tatum’s return should bring additional playmaking, rebounding, and defensive prowess, but it will be crucial for the coaching staff to maintain Brown’s momentum and avoid reverting to old habits.

Fan Engagement and Enjoyment

This season has reinvigorated Celtics fans, offering a fresh style of play and a new appreciation for Brown’s skill set. The mid-range artistry and balanced attack have made Boston one of the league’s most enjoyable teams to watch.

For long-time observers, Brown’s transformation is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the value of embracing new roles.

The Future: Contending in the East

With Brown leading the way and a deep supporting cast, Boston is positioned to contend in the Eastern Conference, even without Tatum. The team’s blend of scoring, defense, and versatility makes them a threat to any opponent.

As the playoffs approach, the Celtics will look to maintain their momentum, integrate returning stars, and continue their pursuit of another championship.

Conclusion: A Season of Growth and Redemption

Jaylen Brown’s rise to superstardom has redefined the Boston Celtics and silenced critics who doubted his ability to lead. His combination of scoring, efficiency, and defense has placed him among the NBA’s elite, while the supporting cast and coaching have exceeded all expectations.

As the Celtics continue their journey, the lessons of this season—adaptability, teamwork, and perseverance—will serve them well. Whether Tatum returns at full strength or the roster continues to evolve, Boston has proven that its foundation is strong, its culture resilient, and its future bright.