The narrative around the Boston Celtics has shifted dramatically since Jayson Tatum injured his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs. Following that and the trades this team has made in the offseason, many no longer view the Celtics as a top team in the East, let alone a championship contender.
Put simply, it seems people have forgotten how Boston’s success always hinged on not one but two stars. That is why Rachel Nichols urged fans to stop disrespecting Jaylen Brown and recognize him as one of the most reliable players of his generation.
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Nichols reminds everyone who Brown is
The Celtics made significant cuts in the 2025 offseason, parting ways with core members like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Veteran Al Horford also looks set to join a new team before the 2025-26 season begins.
Moreover, with Tatum expected to miss the entirety of the next campaign, many seem certain that the Celtics look at a long road ahead before they get back into contention.
For those doubters, Nichols highlighted how Brown has continuously averaged over 22 points per game across his last five seasons, earning four All-Star nods in that span. Furthermore, when the star-studded Celtics’ dynasty was at stake, JB rose as the most consistent player and won the NBA Finals MVP in 2024.
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Thus, Rachel acknowledged that while Jaylen might not be on the same superstar level as Jayson, he is still one of the best players in the league who has consistently performed at a high rate despite knowing he has to play second fiddle to JT regardless of his form or production.
“Look at that team, which I know has made some cuts under the apron, but Jaylen Brown won the finals MVP, a year and two months ago. It was not a fluke. He won the Conference Finals MVP,” Nichols said during her interview with Sports Illustrated. “I understand he is not Tatum. I don’t think that argument is that close. I think Tatum is an underrated player.”Â
“As highly as people think of him, as much as he’s been an MVP finalist, I think he is underrated and undervalued for what he’s done… But let’s not pretend he’s not one of the better players in the NBA,” she added.
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The narrative JB is facing is unfair
What’s ironic is the double standard in how players are perceived. For instance, now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is longer with Damian Lillard, many believe he would thrive with more freedom, put up astronomical numbers and even chase another MVP.
Yet when the same logic is applied to Brown, there is no expectation that he can lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs or contention. This is an example of the ongoing disrespect he faces from both fans and Celtics legends despite his achievements in recent years.
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“In my judgment, Jaylen [Brown] is not quite at the superstar level that [Jayson] Tatum is at,” Cousy told The Boston Globe. “Can he carry the load by himself? I see a major rebuilding effort here. Jaylen certainly won’t bring them to the promised land.”
So, while clearly Nichols hasn’t given up on Brown’s leadership, it remains to be seen if JB will be triggered enough with this blatant disrespect and shut his naysayers up once and for all.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.