The Jay Team
Lest the previous subgrouping confuse, this pair of young Celtics are indeed also starters, but they do not have an asterisk concerning that status — it’s a given on any night both will be playing when tip-off goes down. And for good reason; the short-term future of the franchise is finally, truly in their hands.
Jaylen Brown
After a somewhat disappointing junior campaign for the Cal-Berkeley product, Brown signed a $107 million extension to the concern of many, understandably looking backward and nervous as to whether the growth which would justify such a big paycheck would come.
The concern did not last long.
The Georgian made big leaps in his game in terms of both counting stats and skills, becoming a much more well-rounded player. With increased ballhandling, passing, and body control, the Marietta native has become one of the most interesting young wings in the league.
Virtually every aspect of his game has grown for the better, a rare statement even for these overachieving Celtics.
Jayson Tatum
The third-year Duke product has also taken steps forward, though not as dramatic as Brown’s. Given the leap forward his teammate made this season, that’s not a good metric for Tatum’s development, which is at or slightly below a typical growth curve for a top prospect like the Missouri native.
While he did have issues finishing earlier in the season, he’s since improved his numbers near-basket. And while his accuracy has dipped a little across the board, much is due to his expanding role in Boston’s offense, which has put him more squarely on opponent’s radar.
Even with the added defensive attention, he’s managed to boost his scoring up from 15.7 points per game last season to 21.5 with some minor growth across the rest of his counting stats, and his defense has grown as well.
Tatum was one of the guilty parties chucking up shots early in the shot clock during the Celtics’ stretch of rough games to start the season, but has tamped down on the habit in recent games, so little to complain about here as well.
Jaylen Brown’s poster is even better in slow-mo 🔨 pic.twitter.com/dPaVPJEhbk
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 21, 2020