Boston Celtics: 3 thoughts on preseason opener against Orlando Magic

No. 2: Jaylen Brown back like he never left

While last season didn’t go the way many people around the Celtics had hoped, it certainly ended on a much worse note for Jaylen Brown. Brown suffered a wrist injury midway through May, and was forced to miss the rest of the season as a result. If there was any hope the Celtics could turn things around as the playoffs neared, they were essentially put to rest once Brown’s fate was revealed.

It was a premature end to a season in which Brown took the next step in his development. He averaged career highs in points, assists, steals, and blocks per game, while also shooting the best percentages of his career from the field and the three point line. Brown made the transition from a solid secondary player to a full fledged star, and it was a shame to see his season cut short.

Brown made a triumphant return to the court last night, and led all scorers with 25 points. He struggled a bit from behind the arc, shooting just 4-12, but overall, it looked like Brown didn’t miss a beat. In a first quarter where the Celtics struggled to get things going, Brown scored 16 of Boston’s 21 points. In hindsight, he’s a big reason the C’s were eventually able to pull off a comeback.

If there was anyone the Celtics coaching staff was hoping could get off to a hot start in the preseason, Brown was probably the guy. Coming back from a long-term injury is never easy, but Brown made it look pretty simple in his return to the court here. If he can keep this up, it drastically improves Boston’s outlook for the season.

This team goes as Brown and Tatum go. If Brown can return to his form from last season, the Celtics will have a shot to win every time they take the court. It was just an exhibition game, but Brown’s hot start to the preseason is an encouraging sign for the Celtics and their fans.