Jaylen Brown has formed a strong relationship with new teammate Kristaps Porzingis during the big man’s first season with the Boston Celtics. Their on-court chemistry has helped Boston rush out to an 8-2 record through the first three weeks of the 2023-24 season.
Brown recently talked to Boston media about his budding bromance with Porzingis. The two-time All-Star gave some hilarious insight into what makes Porzingis so likable.
"“We live in the same building, so I’ve been able to spend some time riding back from the airport with him. KP is hilarious. He’s funnier than you probably think. He’s a good guy … Every time he sees you, he winks at you. What [are] you winking at me for, man?”"
Jaylen Brown says Kristaps Porzingis is funnier than we all realize 😂 pic.twitter.com/ejYJyNAZjz
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 13, 2023
Brown and Porzingis have fully bought into the Celtics’ team-first culture this season. Playing for one of the most talented NBA teams in recent history, both players have sacrificed some of their offensive volume. Brown has taken about two fewer shot attempts per game than last season, and Porzingis has attempted roughly four fewer shots per game.
Porzingis is on track for his most efficient campaign ever, shooting a career-high 56.5% from the field with an amazing 68.2% conversion rate from inside the arc. From the 3-point line, the Latvian has shot 40.8% on 4.9 deep attempts per game.
Brown’s scoring average has taken a slight hit as he has adapted to the sheer volume of firepower around him and superstar Jayson Tatum. However, Brown has nailed a solid 36.4% of his threes while shooting 45.9% from the field. JB is posting 22.9 points per game, but that number could easily rise given his limited sample size this early in the season.
Brown also discussed his on-court connection with Porzingis and how the duo can pose problems for opposing teams.
"“It’s been great. On the court, we’ve been able to develop some actions that have been pretty good. Going forward, they (opposing teams) gotta make a choice between either stopping me or stopping him. Off the court, it’s been a joy too.”"
The Boston Celtics will look to capture their ninth win of the young season when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers for a second time in the last week. In Boston’s recent 106-103 loss to Philly, Brown tied his season-low point total with 11 while Porzingis poured in 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting.