Paul Pierce spent most of his playing career as the Boston Celtics' top scorer and the face of the franchise. Jaylen Brown has been a cornerstone for the organization. However, this is the first time he will be the team's No. 1 scorer.
But with that comes the responsibility to act as a rising tide that lifts all boats. That's what Pierce wants to see from his fellow former Finals MVP.
"For him, it's about what he can do better on the court," Pierce told Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com. "This is the thing: when you start getting more of the rope, you've got to be more responsible. So he's going to get more leeway — and not that he didn't have all of the leeway, but now he's the main focus. So with that comes more responsibility. You know, 'How do I get my other teammates involved more? Where I gotta maybe change my game up a little bit?'"
A signal of what's to come from Jaylen Brown
Brown will have the ball in his hands more than anyone. It's an opportunity he has long desired. Without Jayson Tatum in uniform, one would understand if the former All-NBA Second Team selection was most interested in showcasing what he's capable of as a scorer.
However, his team-first approach in Game 5 against the New York Knicks this past postseason signaled what to expect from Brown as the Celtics' top option.
Besides, this is someone who has had multiple 40-point performances in the playoffs. The nine-year veteran has also generated 50 points in a regular-season contest. There will be ample opportunities for him to continue demonstrating his scoring prowess.
"He can't have the mindset like, I've got to go in and score more points because we're losing points in Tatum. No, I've got to be more responsible. I've got to make the players around me better. I've got to learn the game more well-rounded. That's what's going to make him better in the long run as a player."
That's also the key to Boston maximizing this season. Brown taking on that mindset will elevate him and his teammates. It will make it easier on Tatum when he returns. And it is essential to the franchise's ability to quickly recapture its status as a championship contender that can sustain itself.
The Celtics are entering a campaign where everyone is about to take on an increased role. For many on the roster, it is about converting that opportunity into proving that they are a part of this team's future. When Brown made the most significant leap of his career as a facilitator, it led to him becoming a Finals MVP. Now it's paramount to pave the path back to competing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.