Jaylen Brown has been a model of availability and dependability for the Boston Celtics this season. Despite suffering a hamstring strain right before the current campaign got underway, he has yet to miss a game, including playing through back-to-backs.
Beyond that, his effort and production have also been exemplary. They set the standard that his teammates, especially those trying to carve out their place in the league, need to follow.
Questions existed entering this season about how Brown would respond to not having Jayson Tatum alongside him. Would he hog this opportunity, prioritizing an attempt to score as many points as possible, focusing on showcasing that singular talent?
Past performances, like his approach in Game 5 of Boston's second-round series against the New York Knicks, made it clear that wouldn't be his approach. Instead, he's -- predictably -- doing exactly what he did that night at TD Garden, parlaying his scoring prowess to be a rising tide that lifts all boats. The four-time All-Star's ability to get in and around the paint creates quality shots for his teammates.
That has translated to the former NBA Finals MVP producing 27.4 points and 4.1 assists per contest this season.
His play and his leadership have caught the attention of Evan Turner.
Evan Turner sings Jaylen Brown's praises
The former Boston Celtic was a fixture of the Isaiah Thomas teams that captured the fan base's heart and defied expectations, most notably, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.
Friday night, Turner returned to TD Garden for his former team's NBA Cup contest against the Brooklyn Nets. He also recently took time to appear on the NBC Sports Boston "Celtics Talk" podcast.
During his interview, he said of Brown's dynamic point production: "I love how he's been scoring," stated Turner. "Scoring from all three levels, the mid-range. I think he's shooting like 53 percent from the mid-range."
The former second overall draft pick out of Ohio State also praised the former All-NBA Second Team selection's leadership and ability to shoulder even more burden when Payton Pritchard and Derrick White were searching for their rhythm on offense.
"I think he's done a great job of even leading and carrying a stronger load until, just as a recent Payton (Pritchard) and Derrick (White) get their legs in the room because they've had to take on a new role as well," said Turner.
"And, obviously, it takes time to adjust, and it seems they're adjusting well, but I think Jaylen has to slow down a bit, and for himself, personally. I think if he wanted to pop his own stuff, it's like, 'Hey -- do y'all see how really good I really am?"
Instead, Brown is showcasing that while putting the focus on demonstrating his all-around impact and what gives the Celtics the best chance at success.