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Zolak & Bertrand

Zolak & Bertrand

Zolak & Bertrand

6 potential Jaylen Brown replacements for the Celtics

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After the Celtics were eliminated last night by the Miami Heat, it restarted the conversation as to whether it’s time for Brad Stevens to move

Jaylen Brown: “Just a terrible game when my team needed me most.”

Said after Tatum’s injury, “My team turned to me to make plays, etc. and I came up short I failed. … I give credit to Miami but just a terrible job.”

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 30, 2023?s=20">Jaylen Brown.

Brown’s abysmal performance in this series stood out the most, especially since he had a chance to takeover Game 7 when Jayson Tatum sustained his ankle injury. Instead, Brown became a turnover machine when the team needed him most.

It’s never easy moving a star, and it seems even tougher with the hopes some had for Tatum and Brown as a duo, but how many more chances do they get? Especially after taking a step back with arguably a better roster.

Brown was also one of the most vocals players when it came to Ime Udoka’s firing for his cheating scandal. Would a player from the outside take to Joe Mazzulla’s coaching a bit better?

Let’s take a look at 6 players that could play a part in replacing Brown’s production moving forward.

  • 1. Damian Lillard, PG

    For years, Damian Lillard has been a name connected to the Celtics in countless trade rumors and fan-made trade packages. Less than 24 hours after falling short again, that remains the case.

    Joe Mazzulla’s group felt like it lacked edge all season and didn’t have that dog who could takeover when the season was on the line. Despite not ever winning a ring with the Trail Blazers, Lillard has shown a tendency for showing up in big moments and being a leader. Feels like the type of makeup built to succeed in Boston.

    Not to mention, after Brown’s issues bringing the ball up and down the court, Lillard could help in that department as well. It’d be a return to the Kemba Walker plan that never got a chance to fully be put in place. Fair to argue this offers an even higher ceiling for the team, with a player Tatum could learn some things from.

  • PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the second half against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

    Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the second half against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

  • 2. Karl-Anthony Towns, C

    Karl-Anthony Towns has been another name floated to the Celtics dating back to the Danny Ainge regime. It even happened at this past deadline, with rumors spiraling that Brown was ready for a change of scenery.

    It’d be a significant change to the Celtics roster construction, as they’d lose some versatility betting on a center to be such a focal point for the team. But maybe that’s what the Celtics need right now because it seems this core has hit a wall.

    Towns is signed to a four-year, $224 million super max contract extension, so a lot of money would be coming over. Plus Towns carries a lengthy injury history that could easily blow-up in the Celtics face. Is the risk worth it?

  • KAT

    SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 08: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)

  • 3. Trae Young, PG

    There’s been some constant smoke between the Hawks and Lakers about a potential Trae Young deal, but should the Celtics hop in? It’d be another young star that seems to have that killer instinct that the J’s have lacked over the years. Not to mention, the Celtics saw him put up a serious fight in the first round of the playoffs.

    Young is built for today’s game and we know how much Joe Mazzulla loves to shoot the three. But there are fair questions about his defensive ability at the moment and moving forward. For a team badly needing a defensive identity again, Young would likely only make the problem worse.

  • Trae Young

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 05: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Washington Wizards during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on April 05, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • 4. Bradley Beal, SG

    We all know the relationship between Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal that goes back to their childhood in St. Louis. Maybe it’s time to finally reunite the two with the hopes of Tatum taking his game to another level. Hard to argue about the offensive potential of a team with Tatum and Beal constantly putting up shots.

    Beal agreed to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to stay with the Wizards last offseason, so the financials need to be figured out. He also doesn’t carry the leadership qualities connected to Lillard or Young. Not a perfect fit on paper, but the type of move that makes sense if Beal can get his career back on track after getting out of Washington.

  • https://twitter.com/aydenfranco_/status/1662285594628595712?s=20

  • PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 16: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 16, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

    PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 16: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 16, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

  • 5. Anfernee Simons, SG

    Anfernee Simons doesn’t register as loudly as the first 4 on this list, but Kevin O’Conner floated an interesting package of Simons plus the 3rd overall pick for Brown. If the Celtics believe in what Simons flashed down the stretch for Portland and can set-up another deal involving the 3rd overall pick, it could lead to a roster with some fascinating depth and upside for next season.

    Still, it’d be interesting to see how the core responds to this type of shakeup with their behavior the last few years. Especially if the Celtics opted to draft someone third overall instead of another major move. We know Brad Stevens loves having a ton of options though, and this paves the way for that type of path forward.

     

  • Anfernee Simmons

    Nov 27, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) attempts to drive past Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

  • 6. LaMelo Ball, PG

    LaMelo Ball is definitely the wildest name on this list, but another possibility that Kevin O’Conner floated in the last 24 hours. Over the last few months, Ball has been mentioned in a bunch of rumors with the Hornets possibly eyeing Scooter Henderson with the second overall pick. Maybe Jaylen Brown and LaMelo Ball flips spots as the Hornets look to build around another young guard.

    Just thinking about Ball as an option for the Celtics, he’d make sense in Mazzulla’s offense and would also give them an intriguing ball handler. But at 21, is he ready to be a main contributor for a team with championship aspirations? It’d be asking for a ton.

  • Jan 19, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots defended by Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

    Jan 19, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots defended by Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

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