Boston Celtics: 3 bold predictions for 2019-20 NBA season

3. Jaylen Brown contends for Most Improved Player

Jaylen Brown began last season with a starting role on the team, subsequently playing himself on to the bench. Yes, he played that bad to start last season. So bad in fact that it was hard to envision him remaining on the roster when trade talks regarding Anthony Davis surface.

Brown, however, is not one to shy from adversity. Having started 70 games during the 2017-18 season, he dropped to only 25 games as a starter in 2018-19 due to his poor start to the season. Brown did not let this affect him though, improving throughout the year as he grew accustomed to his role on the team.

Entering a contract year would provide enough motivation for any player. Brown, however, is coming off a season where he lost his starting spot, his team underperformed all season and they fell out of the playoffs embarrassingly.

This is about more than just money, this is about defining who he is as a basketball player.

While Brown’s improvement since entering the league has been far from linear, he has shown new aspects to his game on a year-to-year basis. Now is the time for him to break out, he should be aiming for an All-Star appearance this year.

Should he show improvements on his biggest weaknesses, his left-hand dribble, and reactions on defensive rotations, then he will be a scary guy to guard. His athleticism and improve shooting form make him a match-up nightmare.

An attainable stat line of about 18 points, six rebounds and three assists per game should place Brown in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award Furthermore, that type of improvement in production will surely encourage a bidding war for his services. A bidding war Boston will surely look to circumvent by matching any offer sheets sent Brown’s way.

The ball is in Brown’s court now. How he handles the upcoming season will provide insight into what type of player he is, and what he can be.