2024 was a good year for the Boston Celtics and their stars. After finishing last season with a league-best 64-18 record, the Celtics cruised their way to an NBA Finals appearance. In the NBA Finals, they defeated the Dallas Mavericks convincingly in a five-game series. Additionally, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White also all went on to take home a gold medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, Jaylen Brown, another one of the Celtics’ stars, has earned another distinction just before the turn of the calendar.
According to senior writer, Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated chose Brown as their pick for the 2024 NBA Player of the Year.
Jaylen Brown reached the NBA mountaintop in 2024. Now, he’s thinking bigger.
SI is ending the year by naming the top performer of 2024 in each sport: https://t.co/NeHj0UWgfL pic.twitter.com/pLazomxGWw
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 27, 2024
Mannix noted Brown’s on-court success and resilience as major factors in the decision.
Brown persevered, stacking successful seasons, earning his first All-NBA nod in ’22–23, after which the Celtics rewarded with a then record five-year, $285-million contract. He’s a reliable defender. His three-point shot has become more consistent. He averaged less than two assists per game his first three seasons; this year, Brown is averaging nearly five. He earned another All-Star spot last season, but it was his willingness to sacrifice—to allow a beefed up roster that added Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to grow—that was critical to Boston’s 64-win season that culminated with a 16–3 march through the playoffs—and Brown’s first NBA championship.
Boston Celtics Star Controversially Earns Highly Acclaimed Honor
Jaylen Brown Is a Celtics Great
After a few seasons of growing pains, Brown has finally cemented himself in Celtics history. Now in his ninth season in Boston, the Atlanta native has built an impressive resume. He is a three-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA selection, an Eastern Conference Finals MVP, an NBA champion, and an NBA Finals MVP. Brown is under contract for Boston through the 2028-29 season. At just 28 years old, Brown may just now be finally entering his peak. He is already an established player in Celtics history, but there is reason to believe he will continue to build his legacy before he calls it a career.
The Last Word
Given what Brown accomplished on and off the court makes his pick understandable. However, that does not make it any less controversial. While Brown had a fantastic season last year, especially in the playoffs, there are other players who arguably deserved the honor more. Nikola Jokic won his third MVP award in four seasons and participated in the Olympics. Additionally, NBA legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant could argue they deserve the title as well due to their Olympic performance. Regardless, there is no denying Brown’s importance to the Celtics, who were the best NBA team last season.
Now, Brown’s eyes are on helping the Celtics raise another banner in TD Garden. No team in the NBA has repeated as champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. The Celtics, especially with Brown on the roster, have an opportunity to end this drought.
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