The moment Jayson Tatum went down last playoffs, it felt like the Boston Celtics were headed for a quiet season this year. That prediction hasn’t played out. Jaylen Brown has taken on the burden and helped keep Boston steady without Tatum.
The Celtics currently hold a 41-21 record, placing them second in the Eastern Conference, and Brown’s production has played an instrumental role. He is averaging career highs of 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field.
With Tatum nearing a return (potentially tonight), discussion has begun around how Boston will look once its leading scorer is back in the lineup. Getting your first option back is obviously a good thing, but people are wondering what happens to Brown’s bigger role and whether the team’s momentum changes.
As the conversation grows, former NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony has offered his perspective. He believes Tatum should set aside ego and allow Brown to keep the first option role even after he rejoins the team.
“For so long, JB has sacrificed everything. Now it’s like, JT, what are you going to sacrifice? But now I held the fort down for you and the whole organization. JT has to be very mature about this situation. It’s no ego, no pride. We got a chance to come back and win a championship. So let me just put my pride and ego aside for these next three months and continue to let JB steer the ship.”
Carmelo Anthony says Jayson Tatum needs to be very ‘mature’ when he returns knowing it’s Jaylen Browns team this season
“For so long JB has sacrificed everything. Now it’s like JT, what are you going to sacrifice? But now I held the fort down for you and the whole organization.… pic.twitter.com/a3lEabBYTC
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 5, 2026
