When the 2024 NBA playoffs began, the Celtics’ heralded star Jayson Tatum. Every accolade seemed to have his name inscribed on it. However, the man who came for it all and led the Shamrocks to triumph was ultimately Jaylen Brown. His vigor and energy were contagious, making the Celtics a stellar unit. Brown’s ability to elevate his game in such a short span is remarkable. Even a former Celtics veteran was astonished by Brown’s rise.

While speaking on the Knuckleheads Podcast, Boston legend Isaiah Thomas was asked about the 27-year-old’s amazing postseason run. Answering honestly, Thomas told the host that even he couldn’t project the roaring success Jaylen Brown would achieve. Yet, he always saw a spark that ultimately hinged on his terrific confidence.

“One thing I’m going to say about him because I knew was going to help him. From day one, he felt like he was the best player on the team. That’s how he carried himself, no disrespect at all too. Carried himself like he was and he would say that at times like when I get my opportunity y’all going to see. So it’s dope to see the success he’s had in his career… I’m super proud of him for real. But I couldn’t tell you he was going to be Finals MVP in the future, All-Star down the line,” Thomas said.

Thomas also credited Brown’s work ethic. He claimed Brown would always stay back after practice, ask questions, and try to polish his weaknesses. With every season, that has been the proof. During his rookie season, there were doubts over his jump shot. The Celtics fans even wanted the franchise to trade the number three pick for a versatile scorer like Jimmy Butler. Grousbeck admitted the reception upon their pick was amongst the “worst” he had seen.

Today, he has transformed that same weakness to become consistent, forcing defenders to bite. Furthermore, his game has improved substantially, with multiple other skills such as post-game, interior finishing, and more. During the postseason, his defensive ferocity was on full display. Going up against quick guards and brawling forward didn’t prevent him from performing his role as an efficient stopper. The likes of Kyrie Irving struggled to score against him. That’s a product of the work he has strung together in his eight years in the NBA.

Now, it is likely that he will shed another layer of himself and come back with a stronger vengeance than ever next season.

Jaylen Brown found Isaiah Thomas disrespectful

During an interview with GQ, Brown was questioned about the most disrespectful player he had shared the floor with. Growing up in the passionate culture of Boston, he admitted to witnessing several players worthy of the title. However, Brown couldn’t look over the “shortest player,” – Isaiah Thomas.

By disrespect he didn’t mean Thomas was a bad man to work with. Brown referred to Thomas’ demeanor on the court, with opponents and the referees. In Brown’s words, “What was so absurd about it, he was the littlest dude on the court, and he talking crazy to everybody. That was Isaiah, and he backed it up,”.

As one of the shortest players in NBA history at 5’9, Isaiah Thomas never let his height affect his performance. He was fearless, ready to challenge anyone. The stature or names didn’t matter. In a Celtics jersey, he was their savior at one point. At his peak with the reigning champions, IT averaged 28.9 points, the finest season of his career.

During that same season, he led the Celtics to the ECF, falling just short in the end. Having experienced his determination, it’s no surprise Jaylen Brown’s mentality is undefeated. He has seen the by-product of confidence and work. Now, he is just diligently putting it all into motion.