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Boston Celtics: 3 things on the holiday wish list

By Andrew Neururer

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 6: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on December 6, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 6: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on December 6, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Jaylen Brown builds off recent stretch

One of the biggest disappointment’s this season has been Jaylen Brown. He didn’t find much success as a rookie after being selected with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, but his sophomore season was the year in which he found his footing.

After an impressive quick turnaround, it was soon believed that he was going to be one of the cornerstones for the franchise moving forward. That can be true still, because it’s only his third season, it’s early in the 2018-19 campaign and he’s only 22 years old.

However, he’s certainly struggled so far. These struggles may just be a temporary thing, but it is disappointing to see a player go from being on the peak of success to almost wondering what’s going on in his development. This season he’s averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.6 steals per game.

His scoring total is only down by two points, but it’s his efficiency that is alarming. He’s shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from 3. His 3-point efficiency has dropped nearly 10 percent from last year.

Things have changed as of late for the former Golden Bear. When Boston moved Gordon Hayward to the bench, things started to click. That’s exactly what they decided to do with Brown as well, and the results are eye-opening:

  • Starter: 11.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 39.8 FG%, 25.3 3P%, 62.2 FT%
  • Bench:  21.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 56.8 FG%, 58.3 3P%, 82.4 FT%

It’s only been three games in his new role, but he’s shown immense improvement. The hope is that he can continue to play at this high level, because he’s a valuable piece for this franchise moving forward.

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