If you pose the question to any Boston Celtics fan, “Who is the league’s most formidable duo?” you are sure to get a consistent answer throughout – Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – and according to a top 30 wings rankings from Bleacher Report, the responses you’d receive are justifiable.
Their rankings put the $304 million dollar man Brown at the No. 7 spot while his MVP-caliber teammate, Tatum, got the No. 1 spot, beating some big names to take the first place position in their rankings.
Can Jaylen Brown prove the skeptics wrong this season?
Since securing the most substantial contract in NBA history, Brown has found himself at the forefront of uncertainty and speculation in the basketball world. Yet, Boston Celtics fans remain adamant in their conviction that he is an untouchable and vital piece to the puzzle. As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes are on Brown and It’s now up to him to put the contract the the back of his mind, focus on his game, and prove to the skeptics that he rightfully deserved such a contract in the first place.
Even amidst all the skepticism, most can come to a mutual agreement that Brown is an exceptional player. Highlighted by his 2 NBA All-Star appearances, five Eastern Conference Finals appearances, and NBA Finals appearance all by the age of 26; more than some players amass through an entire career.
I believe this year will be massive for Brown and the Celtics and that he is ready to silence the doubters. Last season he showcased his prowess as he averaged an impressive 26.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 3.5 APG all while shooting an impressive 49.1% from the field and 33.5% from 3, proving that his place as the No. 70ranked wing in the league isn’t well-earned.
Brown’s ability to expand his game is evident through his yearly growth on the stat sheet. If he can improve on his playmaking ability as well as gain greater consistency with his handles, nothing will stop him from ranking higher on these lists this time next year. Although, the top spot will be hard to take…
Jayson Tatum beats several major names to take the top spot
There is a simple reason why the top spot will be hard for Brown to reach, and that reason comes in the form of the formidable Tatum.
On the back of the best statistical season of his career, Tatum has proved why he secured the top place in the Bleacher Report wing rankings. Surpassing huge names like Kevin Durrant and LeBron James to the top spot of this list shows it’s not only Celtics fans who hold Tatum in such high esteem. Averaging an incredible 30.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 4.6 APG, Tatum put himself in the MVP conversation early and I sense that we haven’t even seen him reach the heights he is capable of yet.
Although he doesn’t face as much criticism as Brown, just as many eyes will be fixated on him this season due to the breathtaking, potential he is capable of reaching. Will his potential be reached this year? I wouldn’t put it past Tatum to reach these new heights and put on a clinic in the upcoming season, placing his name firmly in all MVP conversations.
Does a due of superstars pose its own problems — and are the Boston Celtics about to face problems en masse?
For some teams and players, the answer would be yes. But, the Boston Celtics duo have proven year in, and year out, that they are there for one reason and one reason only, and that is to be successful in Beantown.
In an interview with Shams Charania back in April, Brown was asked if he feels genuine happiness when Tatum’s doing well, and vice versa. He answered:
"“Absolutely! You know, there’s a phrase that I say – ‘Want for your brother what you want for yourself.’ – So, that’s the only way I understand how to operate, that’s to want for the people around me what I want for myself, “Brown described to Shams. “By Jayson being the ultimate version of him doesn’t stop me from being the ultimate version of myself”"
He then went on to add:
"“At this point we kind of like a part of each others destiny”"
This answer from Brown, especially that second quote, perfectly encapsulates the relationship this due share, along with their desire to compete and be successful. It’s not just what they do on the court that has captivated the hearts of Celtics fans, but their unselfish desire to win it all.
With the Jays close to hitting their prime, plus the fact that the team has been built around this duo, anything is possible.