Just when I thought Jayson Tatum was the undisputed "ALPHA" of the Boston Celtics, the other member of the Jay Team seems to be quietly challenging Tatum's status. He rendered his thoughts on being a team leader versus simply a major role player:
“Obviously, our goal is to win the championship. That’s, I think, what everybody is focused on,” (Jaylen) Brown tells me. “Me, I feel like I still have so many more limits to tap individually. To be better, to be a better leader, to be a better player, et cetera. As for now, I’m just playing my role on the team to help us get back to do what we got to do. So, nothing wrong with being a part of a team and doing your job. That’s how I look at it.”
Over the last eight games, Boston has a 6-2 record, and Brown has played a major role in that span. Take a look at the statistical comparison over those eight games:
Brown: 36.1 MPG - 31.1 PPG - 6.9 RPG - 4.0 APG - 54.8% FG - 41.0 3s
Tatum: 36.6 MPG - 28.1 PPG - 9.3 RPG - 4.3 APG - 43.8% FG - 25.4% 3s
Brown will earn $28.5 million this season, the last of a 4-year deal. Unless a contract extension is reached this season with the Celtics, he will hit the open market, and there will be many suiters. Can Boston have two on-court leaders who work together to bring Banner 18? Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett did just that to earn Banner 17. But right now, Jaylen Brown just wants to let management know how valuable he really is.
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