Boston Celtics: Anonymous player says Tatum and Brown can’t be best players

In a report from Jeff Goodman of CLNS Media Network, an anonymous NBA player had harsh words about Boston Celtics superstars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum:

"“Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can’t be your superstars. They only do things to help their game. They don’t get anyone else easy shots. All they know how to do is score.”"

In my opinion, and the opinion of many, this is a blatantly false statement, and borderline offensive to the developing stars.

Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are displaying the best playmaking of their careers

This season, Tatum and Brown are averaging the most assists in their respective careers, Jayson at 4.5, brown at 4.0. They have both massively improved that aspect of their game, and the team is benefiting from it, even though the record doesn’t show it.

As talked about in previous articles, Jayson Tatum has as many games this season with 6+ assists, as he did in 225 career games played prior. Brown, on the other hand, has five games with 6+ assists, with just two such performances in 279 prior games.

You can chalk it up to higher usage, but in my opinion, this is legitimate development and the next step to superstardom for both players.

This season, of all the lineups with Tatum and Brown both on the court (with at least 10 minutes together), there are 11 lineups with a positive net rating. Of those 11 lineups, 7 have an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.5 or better.

When the Jays are off the court, there are just two lineups (both garbage time) with a positive net rating. Of those two lineups just one has a 2.5 assist to turnover ratio or better.

That right there is enough indication that the Jays are positive playmakers, that make those around them better, and this supposed player is spreading misinformation.

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen brown HAVE to score for Boston to succeed

As stated with the positive net rating lineups, this team does not function without their two stars. The Celtics are 26th in bench points per game, as well as fifth-worst in assists, and eighth-worst in turnovers.

There have been a few highlights to the bench. Payton Pritchard very well could be the steal of this past year’s draft. He is averaging over seven points per game, and up until a few nights ago, was in the 50/40/90 club. Robert Williams is also a player I am very high on, and many question if he should actually be a starter given his polarizing performances.

However, outside of that, the bench is very unproductive. Teague has been disappointing this season, the development of Ojeleye and Grant Williams isn’t where many hoped it would be. Just overall not getting it done night in night out.

With that said, I understand where this anonymous player is coming from. As is, it often appears as if Tatum and Brown are looking for their own shot…because they have to.

If the All-Star tandem does not score at least 50 points, the Boston Celtics are 6-9 on the season. Albeit they are still below .500 now, but that is a much worse win percentage than on the season as a whole.

Whoever the anonymous player maybe, they need to sit down and do a little research before making claims such as that. These two players have been the best players on two and three eastern conference finals teams, respectively. Thing is, they are both under 25 years of age.

This duo has the makings to be one of the greatest duos to ever do it, on the trajectory they are on now.