Boston Celtics: 5 players who need to step up without Gordon Hayward

5. Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown is the main player on the Celtics that can fill in for Hayward’s absence. The second-year wing will be in line for a massive minutes boost as the Celtics will rely on him on both sides of the floor.

Last season, Brown averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game. He played in all but four games for Boston, and he started in 20 of those contests. Brown stepped up Tuesday night against Cleveland with 25 points, six rebounds and three steals on a game-high 23 shot attempts.

Brown still needs to develop his 3-point shot (2-for-9 in the season opener), but his length and athleticism will allow him to thrive in Boston’s offense. The Celtics will also need him to play well on defense too.

Besides maybe Marcus Smart, Boston doesn’t have a tough enforcer that’s going to make an opponent feel their presence. With his ability to defend nearly every position and his elite athleticism, Brown could turn into that guy for the Celtics.

If Brown can develop a consistent jump shot, he could turn into a Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard type of player. I used those guys as an example because like Brown, they weren’t expected to become NBA superstars. Jaylen Brown has the right ingredients to become a great player in this league for a long time, and this is his chance to display his potential.