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Boston Celtics: why a shift in Jaylen Brown’s mindset will lead to huge year

By Andrew Hughes

BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It was very clear last season that the dysfunction surrounding the Boston Celtics locker room took a toll on not only Jaylen Brown’s game, but also his happiness. The fourth year man is turning over a new leaf before the most critical season of his career.

This upcoming season is by far the most important for Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown. While that is true of every year in the first couple seasons of a top three pick, the direction of the franchise hinges upon what he is able to accomplish over the next eleven months.

If Brown is going to take that next step and become an All-Star, Danny Ainge will be ready to match any offer the California product receives in restricted free agency next year. Ainge could lock in his “Team Shamrock” core long-term. Tatum would be the next domino to fall in the summer of 2021.

If Brown falters, his time with the Boston Celtics will most likely come to an end. If Brown can’t break through and take control of one of the starting wing spots, it doesn’t seem likely Ainge would see Brown as worth the investment of a likely sizable offer sheet from another team. While Brown’s athleticism will get him paid by some team, he’d be a sunk cost in Boston if he can’t thrive in Brad Stevens’ system.

Luckily, the changes made within the Boston Celtics organisation appear like they may organically help Brown become the best player he can be. He seems genuinely happy, as he relayed to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston.

"“Last year, honestly, I can’t see it being any worse than that. Coming out, being positive is everybody’s mindset. It’s over with now …[I’m] looking forward to what’s coming next.”"

While teams have become instant contenders overnight (hello 2007-08 Boston Celtics), a team growing together and acclimating over several years is the way to grow a juggernaut. The Golden State Warriors didn’t hit their stride together until their third season with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.

The Celtics have a chance to build something special with Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and now Kemba Walker. If Brown doesn’t take a big step forward in his contract year, the team may move on from him in anticipation of a monster offer from a rival franchise (the New York Knicks maxing out Brown after a down year seems about right).

With Kyrie Irving no longer (failing at) serving as the team’s leader, Brown will have a positive mindset heading into the season. The two did not get along and Brown may have been exiled to the bench because of it. He has time to acclimate to playing alongside Walker and better yet, will get some reps in playing alongside some of the best young talent in the world.

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All of this should set up Brown for a well-timed breakout year.

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