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The return Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics star we came to know and love

By Adam Kemp

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Jaylen Brown’s production has skyrocketed and yet, that hasn’t mattered to some fans. Numbers don’t lie, see for yourself.

I mean come on, can we give Jaylen Brown any time or love?  Sometimes I wonder if fans realize how much depth the Boston Celtics actually have. The guy started the season in a completely different role than where he was last year and struggled earlier on this season due to a lingering back injury. Brown went from being praised for his stellar play throughout the Celtics’ postseason campaign, to being put on the trade block by many armchair-GM’s.

As a starter this season, Brown has been a shell of his former self and even looks fatigued at times. Early on in the year as he struggled in his usual role, Brown was moved to the bench. Now, when he comes off the bench the narrative is different. Here are Brown’s splits:

As a Starter (22 games): 28 mins/game

  • 11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists

  • While Shooting: 41.5 FG%, 26.1 FT%, 63.3 FT%

Off-the-bench (23 games): 24.1 mins/game

  • 13 ppg, 4.5 rebounds & 1.2 assists

  • While Shooting: 48.4 FG%, 41.3 3PT%, 70.7 FT%

This isn’t the first time Brad Stevens has tweaked the starting lineup before. We saw this when he decided to take out Gordon Hayward and replace him with Marcus Smart, and we actually witnessed a huge improvement from Hayward. And let’s be real, the second unit of Rozier, Brown, Hayward, Aron Baynes & Robert Williams could be devastating and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

However, as the Celtics have started to pick up their play, the same can be said about Brown. In the last 15 Games, Brown has put up some solid numbers, so I put them side by side with his production back in November to highlight his recent production:

The month of November (12 Games): 27.5 mins/game

  • 11.3 ppg, 4.1 rebounds & 0.9 assists

  • While Shooting: 42% FG, 21.3% 3PT & 62.5% FT

Last 15 games: 25.4 mins/game

  • 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds & 1.3 assists

  • While Shooting: 50% FG, 46.2% 3PT & 74.5% FT

Next. Potential Celtics trade packages at every position. dark

Although Brown has not been playing some of his best basketball since the 2018 playoffs, over the past few weeks he has greatly improved. As we approach the trade deadline, it’s inevitable to see his name followed by the word, “trade”, but the Celtics really should hold on to him and let him develop as this championship run continues. Lets recap: He’s really good and for fans who want him gone… I think you might benefit from watching him play.

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