Jaylen Brown narrowly missed being selected for an All-NBA team. He received more votes than any other player who did not make it onto one of the three All-NBA teams, accumulating 50 third-place votes.
Brown is playing the best basketball of his career this season. His mid-range game has become an elite weapon against aggressive defenses, and he’s attacking the rim with high efficiency, converting 67% of his attempts around the basket. Most notably, he has emerged as one of Boston’s top defenders — a significant achievement given that the Celtics were the NBA’s second-best defensive team this season.
Throughout the season, Brown has arguably been the Celtics’ best player at times, leading by example and excelling in his role. As one of the top two talents on the NBA’s best roster, it’s puzzling that he wasn’t rewarded with an All-NBA selection.
Despite signing a $304 million supermax contract with the Celtics last summer, which takes effect next season, Brown’s performances have been scrutinized based on his contract value rather than his contributions to the team’s success.
All-NBA voting is often subjective and influenced by individual criteria and biases. Brown’s substantial contract likely weighed against him this season.
However, Brown may still have the last laugh. The Celtics are currently in the Eastern Conference finals, leading their series against the Indiana Pacers 1-0, and are favorites to advance to the NBA Finals. Should Boston win the championship, Brown’s omission from the All-NBA teams will be seen as a significant oversight. Yet, if he ends the season with a championship ring, being overlooked by the voting panel will matter little.
After all, team success is the ultimate goal in a team-based sport.
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