Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 30-21

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Six of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on July 20, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5 of 10

NBA (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players: 26. Jaylen Brown

Previous Rank: 31

Jaylen Brown was a two-way force last season for a Boston Celtics team that needed every bit of the growth he showed last season. He deservedly made his first All-Star appearance and during the times that Jayson Tatum struggled most with COVID-19 this past season, he carried the tea on his back. Brown grew on and off the court this past year in major ways. Now with a new head coach and a reshaped roster, Brown should be ready to take an even greater step forward.

Confidence on the court was always the final frontier for Brown. He needed to believe in himself enough to take over offensively when his team needed him to and last year he did just that. Brown averaged 24.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game on shooting splits of .484/.397/.764. He became a more aggressive offensive attacker. His defense was already something the team could depend on. Now with his increased offensive production, the ceiling for the team has raised.

Last season was a mess for the Celtics, which is impossible to dispute. But now with two young All-Stars and an inventive new head coach, there is a real chance for them to get back on track as a franchise. Tatum and Brown will undoubtedly be the driving force behind their resurgence.