In a guest appearance on the ‘Hot Ones’ show, Celtics star Jaylen Brown spoke candidly as he battled through a plate of super hot chicken wings. In the series of questions, Brown revealed a lot himself, his team, and about his expectations for the upcoming season. He even promised another Celtics championship they they can stay healthy.
Sean Stevens: “Name a team that is mid or didn’t make the playoffs last year that you think will take the biggest step forward this year?”
Jaylen Brown: “Memphis.”
Sean Stevens: “Give us a star that you most want to see in the dunk contest?”
Jaylen Brown: “Zion [Williamson].”
Sean Stevens“The Boston Celtics will win back-to-back NBA Finals if…”
Jaylen Brown: “We stay healthy.”
These answers tell us a lot about how Jaylen thinks about the rest of the league. In the west, he’s got his eye on the Memphis Grizzlies — and for good reason. After a miserable 2023-24 campaign, they are set for a major comeback this season powered by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and former Celtics guard Marcus Smart. All they need is a season of full health and no distractions to reach their ultimate potential.
Apparently, Brown is also considering the New Orleans Pelicans. While a dunk contest is hardly of any competitive importance, Jaylen clearly has great respect for Zion’s game and wants to see him healthy just like the rest of us. If he can rise to the occasion, the Pelicans can make a lot of noise with him, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum.
While several teams in the East did make some upgrades this summer, Jaylen isn’t too worried about how his Celtics can hold up. After finishing with the NBA’s best record last season, they decided to run it back for this campaign and it remains to be seen if any lineup can compete with their starting five.
After an impressive playoff run, Jaylen Brown has never been more secure in his position in the league. Whether people want to acknowledge it or not, Jaylen is one of the best players in the world and he proved it after securing the MVP of the East and the NBA Finals in 2024.
After averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, it’s going to be hard for Jaylen to outperform his production from last year. But he may not need to for the Celtics to go all the way.
Thanks to Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and head coach Joe Mazzulla, the Cs can never be counted out and with their co-stars being under 30, they still have years left to maximize their title window.
Now that he and his team have gone from the hunted to the hunters, Jaylen will experience a new kind of challenge this season and there will be a massive target on his back. Only time will tell how they respond to the increased pressure but there’s no reason to doubt they can handle whatever comes their way.
Be the first to comment