How can Jaylen Brown thrive as Celtics’ lead option? – NBC Sports Boston

Shortly after the Boston Celtics†season ended with a disappointing second-round exit at the hands of the New York Knicks, Jaylen Brown sat at a podium inside Madison Square Garden trying to process what went wrong and what comes next.

But even in the face of a very murky future for his Celtics squad, Brown projected optimism.

“I know Boston looks gloomy right now,†Brown said while pointing to Jayson Tatumâ€s Achilles injury and the disappointing finish to a championship-or-bust campaign. “But thereâ€s a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, and Iâ€m looking forward to whatâ€s next.â€

So, what isnext for Brown and the Celtics?

For Week 3 of our Ramp to Camp series, we asked our panel to pick one thing they want to see from key members of the 2025-26 Celtics squad. And, for Day 11, that spotlight lands on Brown.

Our question was intentionally vague. Panelists could pick any sort of benchmark for what would constitute progress from Brown during the new campaign.

For us, itâ€s simple: Consistency as the undisputed top option while Tatum is rehabbing. The Celtics need Brown to bring high-level, two-way impact on a night-to-night basis if they want to truly compete with a roster that has felt the talent squeeze of the second apron.

Brown produced two of his best playoff games on nights when the Celtics were without Tatum. Game 2 against Orlando (36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) and Game 5 against New York (26 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists) against New York were proof that Brown can shoulder the 1A load when asked.

But now heâ€s going to be tasked with that indefinitely. He has to bring it every single night without having the safety net of an All-Star sidekick. But Brown sounds invigorated by the challenge.

Can he summon the energy to be as impactful defensively, all while shouldering the brunt of the scoring burden on the opposite end? Can he tighten up his ball-handling as his usage rate rises and the Celtics run even more offense through him? Can Brown make his 3-point shot a more consistent weapon for a team that relies so heavily on that part of their offense?

Ultimately, the stat line doesnâ€t matter much to us. We feel pretty confident suggesting Brown will be somewhere in that 24-point, seven-rebound, five-assist output on a nightly basis. A return to the All-NBA squad is waiting if he does that over 65-plus games, and a lofty slot on that 15-man team is there if Brown’s rebound and assist numbers tick even higher while filling all the voids of the departed.

There simply can’t be pronounced dips in his production. Brown would be the first to note that his seven turnovers as Game 6 slipped away early against New York was far too many. Brown pulled his turnover rate down during the title season and must maximize possessions this season without Tatum on the court.

The opportunity for Brown to assert himself as one of the NBAâ€s elite is here for him. Itâ€s a daunting challenge given the changes but one that he seemed ready to embrace from the very moment last season ended.

If Brown plays with consistent energy and impact, the Celtics are going to exceed most expectations for the 2025-26 season.

Letâ€s see what our panel came up with:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Improved playmaking. Brown averaged a career-high 4.5 assists per game last season, up nearly a full assist from 3.6 per game in 2023-24. But he’ll likely get the Tatum treatment this season with double-teams galore as Boston’s clear top offensive option.

How well Brown handles those double-teams — can he find the open man while limiting turnovers? — will go a long way toward the Celtics’ success this season.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I think he has to make an All-NBA Team. I’m sure people would love to see him make First Team, but considering he made the Second Team a couple of years ago, just being considered among the top 15 players in the league is a fair bar to a player of Brown’s stature to clear in a season when he’s going to have to be the man for his team.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I want to see Brown emerge as a 1A. We’re talking All-NBA, not just NBA All-Star. Should that occur, it will be a result of improved playmaking for teammates, high-level scoring, lock-down defense and consistently showing up night after night.

Given the injury to Tatum and the offseason exodus, the Celtics need Brown to improve everywhere and lead the way.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Consistent playmaking. We have seen some big games from Brown as a playmaker in flashes, but without Tatum, there is a lot of opportunity for him to create for his teammates this season.

He will likely see more double teams and different coverages and will need to be able to make the correct reads and rely on open teammates. I think he is up to the task.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

I want to see Brown continue to grow as a playmaker and floor raiser.

JB is coming off a season where he set new career highs in usage rate and assists per game, but the challenge will be much greater without Tatum sharing the load.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

I’d love for Brown’s desire to play aggressive offense — attacking the hoop and getting to the line consistently — to be infectious for this Celtics team.

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