After Boston Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown dropped 19 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James had some high praise.
“Boston definitely is enjoying all the picks that they’re getting from the Nets,” said James per Mark Murphy of the Boston Globe.
Yes, they certainly are.
It’s no secret that Billy King’s trade for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry back in 2013 is one of the worst moves made in recent memory. Brooklyn’s future got decimated in one day, and the Celtics received first round picks for 2014, 2016, and 2018–it doesn’t stop there, though, and Boston can swap selections with the Nets in 2017.
Brown was selected third overall this year, and his game against the Cavs was the best of his young career. He saw 35 minutes in his first start, played solid defense against the King and added five rebounds and three steals to his 19 points.
Physically, he has all the tools to develop into a stellar wing defender who can contribute from time-to-time on offense. At 6’7 with go-go gadget arms and breathtaking athleticism, Brown is going to be a perimeter threat for a long time.
Unfortunately, it’ll be against the Nets more times than not.
