The former No. 3 overall pick, Jaylen Brown, has improved significantly, as Isaiah Thomas has witnessed firsthand while playing with Brown during his rookie campaign. After Thomas left in the summer of 2017, Brown was joined by Jayson Tatum, another No. 3 choice. Some people didn’t think Brown and Tatum could flourish together since they played similar positions, but Thomas says they’ve shown them wrong.

Prior to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, during NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics Pregame Live, Thomas stated of Brown, “I’m very impressed, I’m not surprised at all.” “[Brown] came in with an attitude that he was the best on the team — it was in a good way, though.”

Thomas credited Brown for waiting for his turn during his rookie year after being drafted to a playoff-caliber team. Thomas also tipped his cap to Brown for seizing his opportunity and expanding his role year over year. After averaging just 6.6 points per game in his debut season, Brown made a significant second-year jump up to 14.5 points per game. By Year 4, he was averaging over 20 points per game, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“JB is my favorite,” Thomas continued. “I am aware that he works really hard every day and every year to improve his skills and rank among the best players in the world. His current state doesn’t surprise me; in fact, I’m quite pleased with his development, maturity, and playoff experience.”

Brown concentrated on improving his left hand this season. Last season, Brown was frequently criticized for turning the ball over, so he decided to focus on strengthening his left hand. Brown has made an effort to improve his game in a variety of ways, including finishing hard at the basket with his left hand, executing daring dribble plays with his off hand, and even making an impression in the dunk competition.

“Obviously Jayson Tatum is just one of the best players in the world as well,” Thomas said. “To see these two guys They’ve proven a lot of people wrong, improved in every facet of the game, and those players are unquestionably the team leaders. They work so well together that many didn’t think they could play well together.”

Over the previous six seasons, Tatum and Brown have guided the Celtics to three Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Finals trip. Currently leading the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1 in the Eastern Conference series With their ultimate goal of capturing their first championship, it appears they will make a deep run in the playoffs after their 109-102 victory on Monday in the semifinals.

When asked what the star combo would need to do to win their first championship, Thomas said to Brian Scalabrine, “I would love to see those guys take it to another level.” “They are in need of taking it to that level for the Boston Celtics to win the championship.”

The Celtics will try to finish the gentleman’s sweep of the Cavaliers on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET in the conference semifinals. NBC Sports Boston will start coverage of the game at 6 p.m. with Celtics Pregame Live.