Nationally, the Celtics are viewed as Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum's team. Gordon Hayward is right there, but his injuries have created doubt — which is understandable. Of course, Marcus Smart has his roles as both defensive anchor and heart of the team.
Then there's Jaylen Brown, who doesn't get as much attention or have any sort of title. Again, that's the national perspective.
Because Boston knows full well how consistent Brown has been this season. It may be too soon to consider his four-year, $115 million extension a steal, but the price Danny Ainge paid Brown seems far more reasonable than it did when the deal was announced before the start of the regular season.
To: Jaylen, From: Kemba --Make these guys All-Stars! ➡️ https://t.co/lLiYSbVDex pic.twitter.com/ZzSEiipBNb
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 25, 2019Like Tatum, Brown is trying to improve his standing in the NBA. Being named an All-Star may not be the focus for either of them, but receiving the honor would indicate they've stepped up their respective games to the point where others have taken notice — especially in Brown's case.
This would also be a sign the Celtics are truly trending in the right direction. Because in order to win a title in this league, you need stars. Well, the term is right in the title: All-Star.
Which is why Brown (30 points, six rebounds) needed the type of performance he had on Christmas in the 118-102 win over the Raptors. (For a complete recap of the Celtics' win, click here.)
JB hits the deep three-------------- ------------ (--@metrobyTMobile) pic.twitter.com/7KYol6GKeZ
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 25, 2019He didn't need to prove anything to himself, his teammates, coaches or Celtics fans. With the All-Star voting opening up one hour before Wednesday's game, Brown had to let everyone else know his numbers (20.2 points per game, 51.4 field goal percentage, 39.1 3-point percentage) are an accurate representation of the player he is.
"He's so talented and he can do so much on the basketball court, man," Walker said about Brown on NBC Sports Boston's Celtics Post Game Live. "He can pass, rebound, defend, shoot. You know, whatever we ask of him, he tries his best to go out there every night and do it. Happy to have him as a teammate."
Furthermore, there's still plenty of flash to his game, even though he doesn't show that off as often as he used to. Whether it's the violent dunks or the spins into fadeaway mid-ranges jumpers, Brown can put on a show and do so efficiently (10-for-13 from the floor, 5-for-7 from three.)
Oh my god Jaylen pic.twitter.com/mLCTOP1KAF
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) December 25, 2019"I was feeling good," Brown told reporters in Toronto. "Just was trying to play within the game. Not a lot of play calls, just scoring withing the game. And that kind of just led to making baskets. Continue to just be efficient, regardless of how it goes out there and just try to take advantage of whatever opportunity you get.
Brown became the first Celtic to score 30 or more points on the road, on Christmas since Rajon Rondo did it against the Knicks in 2011.
For more Celtics and NBA coverage, be sure to subscribe to WEEI's 5 Out podcast. The podcast is available on RADIO.COM, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.
