The Boston Celtics are making Jaylen Brown their unquestioned number one option with Jayson Tatum out. The four-time All-Star has talked about relishing those moments in the past. He is an elite player who helped bring a championship to Boston, but things are different now that he is the top option. There will be more pressure and expectations. Brown is ready to handle everything.
The 28-year-old won NBA Finals MVP in 2024 and has successfully scaled up his role (subscription required) in the past. Tatum is likely out for the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs. It will give fans a chance to see how Brown fares full-time in the largest role, and he’s ready to make it a special season. The 6’6 wing has improved his playmaking and ball-handling in recent years, including averaging 9.6 assists per 100 possessions when Tatum was off the floor last season. The playmaking boost will be key as Brown is asked to do more.
He is coming off an offseason surgery, but that won’t hold him back. Brown knows this is his chance to prove he can fill any role. Doubters will question his handle and left-hand. He is in his prime and ready to average over 25 points, five assists, and six rebounds every night. The Celtics are showing a ton of faith in him. Expect JB to reward the franchise for it.
Celtics finally make Jaylen Brown the number one option
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens is already heaping praise on Brown. He knows what the wing can do on the biggest stages and believes he will shine in his new role.
Brown is already embracing the challenge. The Celtics traded away multiple key pieces to get their spending in order, but the belief still exists. They will need Brown to put monster numbers and prove his playmaking improvements are here to stay. Head coach Joe Mazzulla will have his team firing 3-pointers and trying to win the math game. Brown needs to create quality looks for teammates and carve up the defense for Boston to be a serious threat.
The Eastern Conference is wide open. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season after Achilles surgery. The Knicks and Cavaliers are unproven in the playoffs. The next best teams are the inconsistent Magic and Hawks. Boston could snag a top-four seed and make a playoff run without Tatum. They will need Brown to be an unquestioned superstar in the role he’s been asking for. Fans know JB put in the work and should expect big things.
The Boston Celtics still have Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser. That is the foundation of a solid team, and Brad Stevens will improve the roster before Tatum returns. The Cs hope Brown finds a new level in his absence, and they can find a playable center.
Jaylen Brown is in his prime and finally getting his chance to be the top option. Expect him to run with it and the best version fans have seen. That alone should make for an exciting season in Beantown.