The Boston Celtics’ “Player of the Week” — Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics knew the type of player Jaylen Brown would become when they brought him into Beantown at just twenty-years old.

Boston Celtics fans have had the pleasure of watching Jaylen Brown grow and mature into not only a well-rounded player, but also a person who wants to change the world in a positive way.

Brown attended the University of California for one year before declaring for the NBA Draft. While in the PAC-12 in his only collegiate season, Brown averaged 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game for the Golden Bears.

Prior to his college days, in 2015 Brown was named a McDonalds All-American and was named Mr. Georgia Basketball coming out of high school. Boston would go on to select Brown with the third overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft.

At the time when the Celtics drafted Brown, the team was in need of someone who was young and versatile. During his first few years with the Celtics, we quickly saw how athletic the wing was with every high-flying dunk he would perform, and the type of player he would one day progress into.

During his rookie season, the Boston Celtics would make an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Brown was on a team with Al Horford who, at the time was a nine-year seasoned veteran, and also Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas, who both were over five-years in the league.

Since then, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics have advance to the playoffs each year. Also during that time, Brown has matured into one of the most talented, athletic and smartest athletes I’ve ever seen.

The 23-year-old puts together many fundraisers and other types of functions throughout the year to get people in the community together and to spread awareness about something he holds close to himself. He has had the privilege of being named to MIT as a “Director Fellow”, in part of his plan to give disadvantaged kids from Boston the resources of MIT.

Brown’s goal in all of this is for the higher universities to reach out to the lower-income communities to help rebuild the education system.

We certainly can’t forget about the First Annual Jaylen Brown Community Gala that he planned and organized for the people in the surrounding communities to simply get together and have a great time. Brown’s foundation raised over one million dollars for local charities. Also during the gala, Marcus Smart took part in a dance circle. Must see!

At the conclusion of last season, Brown had averaged 13 points and four rebounds per game. In what would have been a contract year for Brown, the Celtics awarded him with a four-year, $115 million contract extension before the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

It’s noticeable that Brown has really honed in on his skills and has learned about what his limits are on the court. We’re seeing him go into the lane on the left side of the hoop and use his left hand more often than we’re accustomed to.

We’re also seeing more defensive intensity this season (something he said he wanted to improve). Playing with a guy like Smart for the past four years will make you want to step it up on the defensive end. Brown has improved on his defense each season with the Celtics. Having a player with the versatility of Brown is truly an asset for the Boston Celtics.

Earning the respect of not only his teammates but also his peers in the NBA, Brown has become the youngest player in NBA history to be named NBAPA Vice President. Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens is proud of his player for being recognized as someone able to sit in the VP chair.

"“It’s an honor to be selected for a position like that. And when you’re 22 it’s an even bigger honor.” -Brad Stevens"

Jaylen spent this past summer playing under coach Popovich for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. The experience of playing against competitors from different countries and leagues is truly invaluable to NBA players who have the opportunity to do so.

The FIBA experience also gave the core-four of the Boston Celtics a chance to build camaraderie with each other, as Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Marcus Smart were all on Team USA as well.

This season, Brown is averaging 18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. For at least the next four years, we’ll be seeing Jaylen Brown wearing the green and white while winning games, and hopefully hoisting up banner 18 for the Boston Celtics