There’s a truly perplexing phenomenon swirling around Boston Celtics fans right now, a mindset about Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown that honestly just doesn’t add up. Most people talking ball in Beantown are somehow believing a handful of conflicting ideas all at once, and it is genuinely wild to see. How can all these things be true at the same time? You tell me!
Celtics Fans Are Twisted Up in Their Own Logic
The common thread among Celtics fans right now? They’re holding onto some seriously contradictory thoughts. Take a look at what the majority believe, according to the chatter:
- Jaylen Brown had a terrific season last year, taking his game to the next level as the undisputed No. 1 option.
- Jaylen Brown is excellent, but Jayson Tatum is an even better all-around player.
- Jayson Tatum looked sharp in his return and is poised for a monster season as the clear-cut No. 1 option.
- A healthy Jayson Tatum and Paul George pairing, even with George’s limitations, is more dangerous than just Jaylen Brown alone.
- The Celtics will be worse this year than they were last year.
Now, wait a minute! If Tatum is better than Brown, and they just added Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Mike Conley Jr., wouldn’t this team logically be *better* than last year’s squad? They won 56 games last season, remember? Sure, things got wonky in the playoffs against a hot 76ers team, but the regular season version, theoretically, should be stronger. Yet, most fans just don’t see it that way.
The Jaylen Brown Paradox
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Jaylen Brown is like that ex you complain about constantly when you are together, but then you miss like crazy once they’re gone. Celtics fans have been waffling on Brown since day one, and it took him actually leaving for them to truly grasp his value, both on and off the court. Even with his Finals MVP, his monster year, and all the goodbyes, he still wasn’t as beloved as his fellow Jay, Jayson Tatum. Why? A big part of it is Tatum’s reserved nature. He doesn’t say anything controversial. Brown speaks his mind, for better or worse, which creates both hardcore fans and critics.
Brown is a polished, versatile, and dynamic scorer. He’s a determined defender, no doubt. But his playmaking skills and his ability to shape the entire game just aren’t as robust as Tatum’s. Still, when Tatum came back last year, the team lost in the playoffs. Brown was still the No. 1 scorer, but Tatum’s return seemed to dim some of that bravado that made Brown sparkle. He got a taste of the limelight and didn’t want to give it up. He’s always wanted to be the alpha, and the irony now is… well, you get it. Jayson Tatum himself said it: “Being around somebody that feels like they know it all, I don’t wanna be around that person. I don’t wanna be the smartest person in the room, I want to learn from somebody else.” That’s the mindset of a leader right there.
Now, Brown and Tatum will finally have their chance to prove themselves, against each other. It’s going to be a showdown to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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