Jaylen Brown Discusses the Celtics’ Willingness to Make Sacrifices

Following the Boston Celtics’ 120-118 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday, wing Jaylen Brown was asked about the club’s willingness to sacrifice as individuals while also playing team basketball this season. Brown said, “I think it’s a new year,” he remarked. “I believe, for one thing, we have experience. Another year of experience is beneficial. Two, the way our team is structured simplifies things. Jrue [Holiday] and K.P. [Kristaps Porzingis] keep it easy….Also, kudos to our coaching staff…I believe the coaching has been outstanding this year in terms of ensuring that we perceive the game as it should be played.”

The scoring averages of the Celtics’ four best players speak volumes of the team’s buy-in mentality. Jayson Tatum, Brown, Porzingis and Holiday are all averaging three-plus points per game fewer than they did a season ago. Plus, Holiday is averaging the second-fewest points per game of his pro career at 13.1.

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2017 NBA Draft Class By Tiers: Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, And De’Aaron Fox Shine Brightest

The 2017 NBA Draft Class saw immense talents rise into stardom with the likes of Donovan Mitchell, De’Aaron Fox, and most prominently, Jayson Tatum. It has also seen its fair share of letdowns in players like Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, who were thought to be potential All-NBA players at the time. Today, we rank the best players of this year’s Class into 6 different tiers with their statistical contribution to the league so far.

In the upper echelon of Tier 1, Jayson Tatum has been a driving force for the Boston Celtics with averages of 22.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 467 regular-season games. His impact reached new heights in the 2022 season when he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Tatum’s scoring prowess, versatility, and ability to elevate his game in crucial moments have made him a franchise player for Boston. His journey to the Finals not only showcased his individual brilliance but also solidified his role as a leader capable of guiding his team to the grandest stage.

Donovan Mitchell made headlines with a notable move in 2022 when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move marked a significant chapter in Mitchell’s career, bringing his talents to a new setting. His scoring ability, leadership, and tenacity on the court have not only made him a fan favorite but also a player capable of influencing the course of a franchise with career averages of 24.7 points, 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 4 All-Star games. Mitchell’s impact in Cleveland adds a new dimension to his evolving career.