All throughout the franchise’s history, the Boston Celtics have been blessed with several NBA Legends on their roster. While it is still too soon to count in Jaylen Brown as a part of those greats, ruling it out completely is also foolish.
The forward is rising towards fame with each game. This is definitely contrary to what critics thought during the 2016 NBA Draft pick, where he was considered as someone not worth taking in.
He continues to prove otherwise and played a major role in this year’s Playoffs, taking the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami Heat. However, since the 23-year-old hasn’t been in the league very long, he still remembers his ‘welcome to the league moment.’
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Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown locked horns with Carmelo Anthony
On ‘Welcome to the league moment’ by Dell Technologies, Jaylen revealed that he had to guard 10-time All-star Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is known for his offensive prowess. The now Portland Trail Blazers player has gained the reputation for being a gifted NBA player.
So, it’s not surprising that Brown had difficulty guarding the then New York Knicks player, considering this was the first offensive-challenge thrown at him on entering the league.
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“One was in pre-season. We were playing the Knicks. Brad tapped me on the shoulder and told me I was starting. My matchup was Carmelo. That was a welcome to the league moment.” narrated Brown.
“I was guarding him and everyone was like standing up like and you know try to chant him on. And I just fouled him. And then he got the ball again, and I just fouled him again. That was my first moment, I was in Madison Square Garden. Against Carmelo. Guarding him. It was just like a lot of nervous energy, so that was a welcome to the league moment.”
"My matchup was Carmelo."
Welcome to the league, JB. pic.twitter.com/4oopQY41Ln
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 12, 2020
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In no time, Brown added himself to the list of rising defensive players. Averaging 20.3 points and 6.4 rebounds this season, Brown has left another solid mark. It is these moments against experienced players that have helped mold Brown into the star player he is. Thus, fans are hoping to see more of him and his chemistry with Jayson Tatum blossom next season.