Jaylen Brown is making a strong case for most improved player
My pick for most improved player is still New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis. Right now, Porzingis is playing at a high level. He has the Knicks at No. 6 in the east, and his numbers are much improved from last year. The Knicks have them a franchise player in Kristaps Porzingis.
However, there’s someone else whose giving Porzingis a run for his money for most improved player. That player is Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown. Brown has been playing excellent basketball for the Boston Celtics to start the season.
Last Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Brown was the scoring spark that the Celtics needed in order to win that game. Brown finished the game with 22 points leading all scorers for the Celtics, and he finished second highest in the entire game. The only player that outscored Brown was Warriors forward Kevin Durant with 24. This was one of many good games from Brown.
Brown as a rookie last season averaged 6.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, shot 45% from the field, 34% from three, and averaged 0.4 SPG. This season Brown is averaging 15.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 1.2 SPG. Brown is still shooting 45% from the field, but his three-point shooting has gotten better. Brown is shooting the three ball at 39% right now which is impressive, because coming out of college Brown was not known for shooting the ball.
Most of Brown’s numbers improved, but the stat that stands out the most is Brown’s PPG average. 6.6 to nearly 16 points? That’s a big leap. Brown is a shooting guard; his main job is to score the ball. So, to see this scoring leap from him so early in his career is a good sign for the Celtics.
Coming out of the University of California, Brown was a raw athletic shooting guard who lacked skill but could really defend. Primarily why the Boston Celtics took him so high, and because of his potential. Brown could score the ball, but he wasn’t known as a scorer. He still isn’t, but he’s becoming more respectable on the offensive end.
Brad Stevens and the Celtics staff has done a good job with Brown so far. If Brown can keep up this play or improve his play. Don’t be surprised if Brown wins most improved player at the end of the season. I can see Brown making an all-star team in the next 5 years if he can keep on improving, and the Celtics can keep on winning.
Subsrcibe treysandlays.com
