Celtics Green 10/14: Brad Stevens Digging Jaylen Brown’s Versatility
Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is impressed by the versatility of first-round pick Jaylen Brown.
Jaylen Brown is just a rookie, but is already proving that he is reliable to do many things for coach Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics.
During Thursday night’s preseason victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Stevens sent Brown back into the game with the Celtics holding on to an 81-79 lead with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Brown replaced Tyler Zeller which allowed Jordan Mickey to switch to center. The young rookie played power forward.
More from Boston Celtics
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Blake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With Celtics
- Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
- Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
- Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule
Although Stevens would like to keep Brown at his natural small forward position, his versatility is proving to be a valuable commodity for the Celtics coach. It worked for the team Thursday night and Stevens feels good about it working throughout the season.
"“I went into the preseason thinking if we could keep him at one spot, it’s probably better,” Stevens said following the game via CSNNE. “But I think that most of his value right now, and how he can add value to winning, is being a versatile player, and being able to play some three, some four guard some threes, guard some fours, switch a lot, those type of things. So we’ve thrown him to the wolves in the games a little bit at the four, but he’s done a pretty good job with that.”"
Brown ended up with 10 points in the game and made a big play down the stretch to help secure the win. His athleticism and defensive ability has already made him a value to the team. The more he is thrown “to the wolves,” the quicker he will become a big-time player in the NBA.
Notes & quotes
Al Horford: Boston big man Al Horford showed just why he was a top prize in free agency. He led the Celtics Thursday night with 13 points and nine rebounds in just 21 minutes on the court. If he is able to average double-double type numbers on a nightly basis during the regular season, the Celtics are going to be a very tough team to beat.
Marcus Smart: The third-year guard showed lots of hustle on the floor against the Nets. He also finished with 13 points as well as four assists and two steals. His decision making really stood out as he helped the team improved their preseason record to 3-1.
Brad Stevens on the play of the Celtics bench:
"“I’ve got a great deal of admiration for the way that they’ve (Nets) put this group together and how hard and purposeful they play. I thought we got punched in the mouth a little bit early. The first unit did not look as good as they looked last week, and then our bench did some good things throughout the night. The first unit played better at times, but we still have to get a lot better.”"
Isaiah Thomas on the Celtics small lineup via Bleacher Report:
"“It can create a lot [of problems]. I mean there are so many different players that do different things on the offensive end, but as well on the defensive end. You’ve got guys that can guard multiple positions like Marcus Smart, he guards one through four, and so does Jae Crowder. And even a guy like Al Horford, he gets out and defends guards as well at a high level, so it can give other teams problems on both ends of the floor.”"
Next: Patriots Are 9 Point Favorites In Week 6 Against Cincinnati
The Boston Celtics preseason continues Saturday night as they travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks.