Coming into the season, the Boston Celtics were going to look very different from prior years. After being eliminated in the second round by the New York Knicks, the Celtics were dealt a big loss when Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 against the Knicks. Tatum had been the reliable superstar for the Celtics, doing whatever the team needed, and with an Achilles injury that likely sidelines him for the next season, their future was up in the air.
Once the season ended, the Celtics would trade away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, with the most notable return being Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trailblazers. After Luke Kornet and Al Horford also left in free agency, it seemed likely that the Celtics would be near the bottom of the NBA for the 2025-2026 season.
So far through 34 games, that hasn't been the case, with the Celtics sitting at a 22-12 record and good enough for third place in the Eastern Conference. Boston isn't that far from first either, only three and a half games behind the Detroit Pistons. The biggest reason for the team's success to begin the season has been the play of Jaylen Brown.
Jaylen Brown Is Playing at an MVP Level
Ever since he was drafted third overall by the Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft, Jaylen Brown has continued to improve each season. This season has been no different, with Brown averaging career highs in points (30.1), assists (5.0), field-goal percentage( 51.0%), and free-throw percentage (77.9%). Brown's point-per-game average is currently the highest in Celtics history.
In December, Brown led the NBA in scoring, averaging 31.7 points. He'd also average 6.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, while shooting 53.8% from the field, 42.6% from three, and 79.3% from the line. Boston would go 9-3 in December in part to his elite play.
Not only has Brown's offense improved, but his defensive impact has been noticeable. Currently, Bown is holding players to a 39.37 field goal percentage when he is the closest defender, good for second in the league, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.
As a result, Brown's NBA MVP odds sit at +8000 (5th) on FanDuel Sportsbook as of Monday afternoon. He's still a ways back from frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-450), but the race isn't over until Game No. 82 is played.
At the end of the long road trip, Brown played his best game yet, scoring 50 points, tying his career high, against the Los Angeles Clippers. He also took on the task of guarding Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard. Finding players who are this impactful on both sides of the ball is rare, and Celtics fans should feel lucky that they have one of them on their team.
Game in and game out, Brown leads the Celtics on both sides of the ball by being the main initiator on offense and playing lockdown defense on the other end. All while cementing himself in the Celtics history books. Without Brown improving his play, the Celtics would be an afterthought this season, but instead, are fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. That seems worthy of being an MVP candidate.
The NBA season is far from over, so for Brown to continue his MVP case, he will need to continue his play. Given what we've seen from Jaylen throughout his career, Celtics fans should feel confident that his strong play will continue.