The new force helping Jaylen Brown reach his ambitions

Two years ago, the arrival of Kristaps Porzingis helped Jaylen Brown make his most significant leap as a playmaker. The two had instant chemistry, earning them the nickname "Cookies and Cream." Now, the former Finals MVP has a new tag team partner.

Wednesday's 136-107 win over the Washington Wizards offered a promising glimpse into the potential impact of the tandem of Brown and Josh Minott.

The former found the latter on an alley-oop in the first half. Then, in the third frame, as Brown attacked downhill, his paint touch forcing Marvin Bagley III to step up to confront him, Josh Minott darted from the corner to the cup. Brown whipped a no-look pass in his direction for another two-handed flush.

The best is yet to come for the Celtics' new duo

Following Boston's bounce-back win after dropping two straight tilts on the TD Garden parquet, an appreciative Minott told Hardwood Houdini about the chemistry developing between him and Brown: "It's grown tremendously, man. Just understanding my spacing, my spots, and I'm just trusting that he'll find me on those cuts. And he very clearly did tonight, so I'm thankful."

While the early returns are encouraging, the more exciting thought is how this combination can become even more impactful as the season progresses.

"It's grown, but it's still growing, still figuring out, finding a rhythm and a cadence," Brown told Hardwood Houdini post-game of the synergy the duo is developing. "Just building that chemistry and helping keep building his confidence. He could be a really good player in this league, and nights like tonight, he showed it."

Minott finished with a career-high 21 points in the victory. He continues to demonstrate a good feel when stationed in the corners, reading when to cut and crashing the offensive glass. In a testament to his all-around impact, he also grabbed five rebounds and swiped three steals, matching Derrick White for the most in the matchup.

It's the latest example of him seizing his opportunity in what was his sixth straight start as he becomes a first-unit fixture.

"I'm looking forward to the rest of the season," Brown told Hardwood Houdini while discussing the chemistry he and Minott are cultivating. "The rest of the week. Got some big games coming up in Orlando, I'm gonna need Josh to step up."

The Celtics have spent years searching for a big wing. When they captured banner 18 at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign, their extended rotation included Oshae Brissett. The former Syracuse star helped a small-ball lineup stage a 20-0 first-half run against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of that year's Eastern Conference Finals. When Joe Mazzulla went back to that option in the third frame, their 7-0 burst propelled Boston to a 13-point advantage entering the fourth quarter. That paved the way to a 2-0 lead en route to a series sweep.

Last season, the Celtics signed Torrey Craig late in the campaign, hoping he could fill that void. Now they have a soon-to-be 23-year-old Minott, who's quickly showcasing his value to the franchise.

"Josh has been great," voiced Jaylen Brown during training camp. "We're gonna need him to be great all season long. He's a long, athletic wing, something that we could've used over the past years or so, like somebody super high energy, super athletic, so we need that defensive pressure and intensity. Then, he's been showing he can knock down a shot, and he can take a guy off the bounce as well. So he's displayed some great talent. We're looking forward to finding him in transition, finding him in close-out situations, because he's a piece that can help us out."

Minott's two-year, $5 million deal includes a $2.6 million club option for 2026-27. That is quickly looking like one of the most valuable contracts handed out this offseason. If he keeps playing this way, his market will look dramatically different the next time he reaches free agency. However, he's already demonstrating how he can help the Celtics compete for banner 19 when Jayson Tatum returns.