Jaylen Brown has the star power to be the Celtics’ leading man, but does he have a supporting cast? - The Boston Globe

Jaylen Brown Holds Star Power Amid Celtics' Challenges

Jaylen Brown stands as the leading star for the Celtics this season, but the team around him struggles to provide solid support. His solo role feels like an unwinnable challenge, likened to a suicide mission in basketball terms. Despite Brown scoring his fifth 30-point game in a 136-107 victory over the Wizards, the rest of the team appears limited and fragile.

Fragile Supporting Cast Hampers Team Outlook

The Celtics’ supporting players make it difficult to evaluate Brown’s true potential as a playoff-caliber leader. The team’s construction so far is precarious, making any judgment on Brown’s ability unfair and premature. The Celtics have undergone a significant roster reset, further complicating the team dynamics.

Brown vs. Tatum: Different Roles, Different Expectations

Jaylen Brown is not Jayson Tatum, the undisputed face of the franchise. Tatum is currently on the mend from a torn Achilles, with no set return date. This situation has placed Brown firmly at the center of discussions about his ceiling as a superstar player.

Recent Performances Reflect Team Struggles

The Celtics’ lackluster play against the struggling Jazz and early season inconsistencies highlight that neither Tatum nor Brown—in his current support structure—can guarantee a playoff berth.

“Jaylen Brown’s solo mission atop the Celtics’ hierarchy of stars this season looks more and more like the basketball equivalent of a suicide mission.”
“With such a faltering and fragile supporting cast so far, passing judgment on Brown’s capability as a leading man is unfair and unwise.”

Overall, the Celtics’ challenges underscore the need for a stronger supporting cast to maximize Brown’s star potential and improve the team's postseason prospects.

Author's summary: Jaylen Brown demonstrates undeniable star power, but the Celtics’ weak supporting cast limits his impact and clouds judgment on his leadership potential this season.

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The Boston Globe The Boston Globe — 2025-11-06