His first season in the NBA hasn't started yet, but Boston Celtics‘ rookie Jaylen Brown has already impressed his teammates and coach with his style of play.
Veteran guard Avery Bradley had nothing but good words for the 19-year-old especially on the maturity that he has shown in the team's first six preseason games. Per Taylor C. Snow of Celtics.com:
“He’s a freak, man. He’s making a lot of plays that 19-year-olds aren’t making.”
“A lot of people would probably think that Jaylen would be [committing] a lot of charges and things like that, but he’s making the right play. If he doesn’t have an open layup, then he’s kicking the ball out to an open 3.
“He’s going to help our team out a lot. He’s a threat to the basket. He’s very strong and a very smart player.”
Even the team's prized recruit of this year's free agency, Al Horford, had high praises for Brown and cannot wait to see him play in the regular season.
“I always get excited when he gets in the game because I just want to see what he’s going to do. It seems like he’s always getting a highlight play, and I think that’s just a preview of what we’re going to see this season.”
The Celtics are stacked this year in every position and have addressed depth issues over the summer to give them the best chance of dethroning the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. But even if their roster is loaded with talented players on all spots, Brown's ability to play multiple positions makes it easier for him to earn playing time, and head coach Brad Stevens is happy with the progress his rookie has shown in training camp so far.
“He adds value to winning, and that’s how you fit into our group. I like his progress and I like what he’s done thus far. I think we’ve thrown him into the fire a little bit at two positions, but ultimately that’s how we have to move forward.”
“I’ve said from Day 1, if Jaylen can defend a couple of positions and if he can make an open shot on the catch and shoot; if he can drive and cut and figure out the times to do that, then those will be great separators for him because he has some gifts that will allow him to be on the court with his body, his frame, his quickness and everything else.”
But the best attributes Brown has are his attitude, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. No wonder Avery Bradley believes he'll be a great player in the league someday.
“He’s here to learn and to get better every single day and I appreciate him for that. [He’s] a young guy that just has an open mind and wants to work hard, and that has to be your mindset coming in to a team like this with good players like we have.
“He’s going to be a perfect piece for us, and he’s going to be a very special player if he continues to work hard.”
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