After watching Jaylen Brown dominate the Pacers this week in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, it’s hard to believe he didn’t make an All-NBA or even All-Defensive team this season.
Jaylen’s Impressive Season
Last year, at 27, Jaylen made it to the All-NBA Second Team. This allowed him to sign a massive contract with Boston. Even though some of his stats are down compared to last year, he’s having his most efficient season ever.
This regular season, Jaylen averaged 23 points per game. That’s less than last year’s career-high of 26.6 points. But he’s been a defensive beast, often guarding the best player on the other team.
How Jaylen Brown's All-NBA snub highlights a voting system with too much at stake
(By @bradbotkincbs)— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA)
Teammates’ Reactions
His teammates were puzzled by his exclusion from the All-NBA teams. Payton Pritchard said, “JB, that was a snub for sure. I don’t understand how you can be the No. 1 team and only have one dude on that.”
Jayson Tatum was also surprised and defended Brown after their Game 2 win: “We all felt like he should’ve made one of the All-NBA teams.”
I think it’s crazy how sometimes deserving players get overlooked.
Coach’s Perspective
Coach Joe Mazzulla praised Jaylen but didn’t feel he needed to discuss it with him: “He’s very mature and knows what’s important.” He added that Jaylen works hard and understands who he is both as a person and player.
Jaylen’s Response
Since Wednesday’s announcement of the All-NBA selections, reporters have been asking Jaylen about it non-stop. After one win against Indiana, he seemed unfazed: “Nah… We’re two games from the Finals; I don’t got time to give a f—k,” he said casually.
But when pressed further about feeling overlooked this season, Jaylen opened up more: “I watch guys get praised who I feel are half as talented as me on either side of the ball,” he shared. Yet he’s learned to embrace it and feels grateful every night he steps on the court.
