With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 season, the Boston Celtics will rely on Jaylen Brown to lead the offense in his absence. Brown, 28, is one of the most talented forwards in the NBA.
The issue is, Brown isn’t the level of playmaker that Celtics fans have become accustomed to with Tatum. Nor is his a reliable three-point threat off the dribble. Instead, Brown is at his best when driving the lane, pressuring the rim and making reads as the defense collapses.
Perhaps that’s why Bob Cousy isn’t excited about the upcoming campaign. The Celtics legend shared his doubts about Brown’s ability to lead the franchise during an August 8 interview with Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe.
“In my judgment, Jaylen is not quite at the superstar level that Tatum is at,” Cousy said. “Can he carry the load by himself? I see a major rebuilding effort here. Jaylen certainly won’t bring them to the promised land. Derrick White’s a good player, and he’ll produce and he’ll be consistent, but his game doesn’t lend itself to carrying a team.”
Brown has long been viewed as an ideal second option next to Tatum. However, after winning the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP, it has been fair to wonder how he would hold up as the top option on a roster. Now, Celtics fans are going to get their answer.
Brown Happy to Do What’s Needed in Order to Win
During a recent interview with Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog, Brown explained how he’s always been willing to sacrifice in order to help the Celtics win games and remain competitive.
“I’ve had to change roles, styles,” Brown said. “I’ve had to do things that other players of my talent just haven’t had to do, and I’ve been okay with them, because I’ve always been a team guy. I feel like sometimes that gets taken for granted.”
Brown continued.
“I’m extremely grateful that we won a championship,” Brown said. “I’m extremely grateful that we’ve been able to have success, and that’s what it’s about. It’s not all about you, it’s not all about me, you know what I mean? I want the next generation to know that as well — it’s okay to play your role on the team. It’s okay to do whatever, but don’t let that define you.”
Now, after years of waiting, Brown will finally get to showcase his skills in a starring role.
Celtics Aren’t Optimized for Brown
Regardless of what happens in the upcoming season, it would be unfair to judge Brown’s ability to lead a team. He is more than capable of being a primary option. However, he would undoubtedly benefit from a roster that is designed around his skill set.
Instead, he’s being given the keys to a rotation in flux, and one that will be designed with Tatum in mind. As such, Brown may struggle to give the best account of himself throughout the season.
Still, given his offensive and defensive skill set, his big-game experience, and his relentless will to win, Brown should prove more than capable of spearheading the Celtics, at least for the season ahead.
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