Boston Celtics training camp is just over a week away. The preseason ramp-up will have far less familiarity than it’s had over the past few seasons, with plenty of new faces donning the Celtics green for the first time. Those guys will have some big shoes to fill.
Key contributors like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday became cap casualties back in June. Days before the NBA Draft, the Cs sent them away in a pair of trades to avoid the second-apron threshold and the penalties that come with spending above it.
The first preseason game will not only be a reality check for the fans, but also for the players. Star forward Jaylen Brown briefly shared some thoughts on the changes during his Twitch stream on Saturday.
“Half the team is gone,” he said of the new-look Cs. “I wish them the best. I appreciate them. They were great teammates, so it’s sad to see them go. But, it’s a new era, everything has kind of changed and shifted.”
Brown's 'new era' could help him soar even higher
It’s a new era, indeed. Especially for Brown. The 28-year-old faces the burden of being Boston’s top scoring option for the first time in his nine-year tenure. Sure, there have been one-off instances where Jayson Tatum has been out and Brown has carried the offensive load, but he hasn’t been challenged with doing so for an entire season before.
In a limited sample size, he’s been up for the challenge, for sure. Brown has posted an average of 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 50.1% from the field and 34.6% from long range, across 39 career appearances without Tatum, according to Statmuse.
Brown gave an encouraging precursor for what could be to come in his Game 5 outing following Tatum’s Achilles rupture. His inspired performance was headlined by a career-high 12 assists. The number indicates that there’s potential for JB as a playmaker, it just may be something he needs to get used to first.
If he can find a way to elevate his teammates regularly, then Celtics fans could be in for a pleasant surprise this season. Brown, himself, could be in for the same, if you ask his teammate Derrick White.
White recently predicted Brown to be an All-NBA First Teamer this season.
"I mean, probably [Nikola] Jokic, Giannis [Antetokounmpo], that's probably the obvious ones," White said on an episode of his White Noise podcast. "Luka Doncic, Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], and Jaylen Brown."
It’s tough to truly feel confident in any All-NBA picks before the season starts, especially with the league’s 65-game rule in place, but it’s possible. If Boston overachieves this season, Brown’s going to get a ton of the credit which could elevate his status amongst voters.
One thing is for sure, though. It’s a new era in Boston.