Is it Time For The Boston Celtics To Bench Jaylen Brown?

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Is it Time For The Boston Celtics To Bench Jaylen Brown?

Last night, the Boston Celtics lost to the Utah Jazz 98-86. This was the second night of a back-to-back for Boston after an overtime win against the Toronto Raptors the night before. The Jazz made it a nightmare for the Celtics offense to get rolling. Irving only scored 20 points, Jayson Tatum had 10, and Gordon Hayward had 7. However, there is one Celtic that has been struggling through the first 16 games of the season.

Last night, Jaylen Brown scored only 3 points while shooting 11.1% from the field. That’s not just bad, but highly unacceptable for a guy who is seen as a future star. This has been by far the worst year of Brown’s career. He’s averaging 10 points on 36% from the field, and 17% from 3-point range. Last night may have been the last straw for Celtics coach Brad Stevens. Brown’s shooting slump, and lack of defensive ability might find him coming off the bench very soon.

The Shooting Guard Replacements

The obvious choice here is Marcus Smart. Smart can bring some elite defense to a starting lineup that needs it. On the offensive side of the floor, he is not the best fit, but he won’t be asked to do much. Smart could split minutes with Brown so that there can be no difference in statistics. Brown could even be in during the closing minutes. Boston just needs Smarts intensity to start the game.

Terry Rozier is another choice if Brad Stevens wants more shooting. Rozier is a point guard who will push the pace of the starting lineup, and get them moving quickly. He may not be the best on ball defender, but he has active hands in the passing lanes. Furthermore, him and Irving will be a nightmare for opposing backcourts with their off-ball movement.

The Real Solution Here

The best thing for Stevens to do is to just keep Brown in the starting lineup. He’s a very good young player who is just going through a slump. It is effecting him mentally, and his game is suffering. If needed, bring him off the bench for a game or two so that he can go against some second units. However, he is a starter and a permanent role off the bench will be even worse for him.

Player of the Game: Kyrie Irving

Irving was just the best player on the floor for the Celtics. Although he was not as great as we are accustomed to, he was still very solid. Hopefully can keep his momentum going into Monday night.

Honorable Mention: Al Horford

Looking Forward to the Next Game

The Boston Celtics will take on the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte on Monday night. Kemba Walker is going to be a tough matchup for Irving. Walker had 60 points against the Philadelphia 76ers last night, so lets hope Stevens comes up with a plan to cool him off.

 

Photo Credit

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