The Boston Celtics have not exactly lit the world on fire to start the 2025-26 NBA regular season. But given the ball club was seen as a likely bottom-dweller in the Eastern Conference standings while star forward Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles tendon sustained against the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, that the team has managed to stay close to being a .500 team with a tough start in terms of strength of schedule is a testament to Tatum’s costar on the wing, Jaylen Brown.
Former teammate and Celtics assistant coach Evan Turner recently sung Brown’s praises when it came to how the Georgia native has been leading Boston early in their current campaign in an interview on the NBC Sports Boston “Celtics Talk” podcast. “I think he’s done an amazing job,” said Turner. I think he’s done an unbelievable job.”
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“I love how he’s been scoring,” added the Ohio State alum. “Scoring from all three levels, the mid-range. I think he’s shooting like 53% from the mid-range.”

Jan 27, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Evan Turner, 2nd from right, a former player for the Ohio State Buckeyes and former NBA player is seen talking with Michael ÒJuiceÓ Thompson, a former Northwestern Wildcats player before the first half of the teams game at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
“(…) I think he’s done a great job of even leading and carrying a stronger load until, just as a recent Payton (Pritchard) and Derrick (White) get their legs in the room because they’ve had to take on a new role as well.”
“And, obviously, it takes time to adjust, and it seems they’re adjusting well. But I think Jaylen has to slow down a bit, and for himself personally. I think if he wanted to pop his own stuff, it’s like, ‘Hey — do y’all see how really good I really am?”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: He’s done an amazing job: Evan Turner on Jaylen Brown leading Celtics