Back in the 2020 playoffs, when the Celtics lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Championship Game, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said at the post-game press conference that he believed Jaylen Brown was ready to evolve, "He is already capable of taking on a larger role and responsibility."
After Brown joined the NBA in 2006, he averaged 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and a 38.2% three-point shooting percentage in the 2019-20 season. Brown has improved year by year, especially in his shooting and ball-handling abilities. , Brown has improved even more in handling transitions between offense and defense and in his offensive shooting after getting off the ball.
But what's next in Brown's evolution? The answer may be after Gordon Hayward chose to defect to the Charlotte Hornets. In addition to Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and the newly added Jeff Teague to share the ball-carrying vacancies that the Celtics lack, Brown may also need to become a Reliable ball holding spot.
Further reading:Boston’s New Core-Jayson Tatum Classic Battles/Top 5 Peak Moments
In the Celtics' offensive system, pick-and-rolls account for a large part. They were used sixth most frequently last season. Their 0.98 points per possession were tied for second with the Mavericks. Hayward was the player with the third-most pick-and-roll possessions on the team. (Holding the ball), his vision and offensive ability are also important ball-holding points that the Celtics rely on. The Celtics need to find someone to fill his role in the pick-and-roll.
Brown's usage rate increased significantly from the 2018-19 to 2019-20 seasons, from 58 possessions to 147 possessions. Although the production did not increase significantly (points per possession from 0.85 points to 0.87 points), the statistics are not far from Hayward. .
Of course, Brown can't keep up with Hayward's playmaking level, especially his reading and vision of the game, but he has more athleticism and cutting attack. However, the Celtics don't need to directly connect, but they will at least need him to complement Hayward's basic pick-and-roll. round.
And this is also a problem for the Celtics. How should Brown act when holding the ball? Let him play in isolation? Cover his cut? Or should he be allowed to move freely, attack by himself or distribute the ball? (Career 2.2 assists/2.3 turnovers)
Brown's cutting potential can greatly increase his threat with the ball. As shown in the video below, Brown cuts in after Daniel Theis's screen. Marc Gasol retreats and hesitates. Kyle Lowry pounces on the defense, which also exposes Hayward, whom he was originally guarding, to a large gap. , which also proves that Brown’s basic ball-handling skills are no problem.
Brown's problem is his pass turnover rate. Last season, he averaged 29.81 TP3T passes in 8.5 cuts per game, 0.5 assists but 0.6 turnovers. Many of the reasons were that he rushed over his head and then started looking for passing targets.
"I'm ready to accept new challenges, roles and opportunities. I'm getting stronger every year." Brown said. In the first two games of the season against powerful opponents, Brown averaged 30 points per game and had 491 TP3T. With shooting percentage, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, Brown's average shots per game increased from 15.6 last season to 24.5. Both Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker (who will return in about mid-January) took a lot of shots from him, and he is also ready to do it. bear.
The area where Brown has improved the most is in holding the ball. Although his dribbling is not sharp, it is enough to support him, allowing him to change speed or test defensive lineups. So far, Brad Stevens has given Brown the responsibility of Hayward, allowing him to be the primary ball-handling playmaker.
Brown wants to take another step forward, either becoming a top 3D forward like Klay Thompsom, or an all-around forward like Kawhi Leonard. Although Brown is only 23 years old, it is time to decide his future path.
