Despite a whirlwind offseason and the absence of key player Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury, the Boston Celtics are defying expectations this NBA season. With an 18-11 record, they hold the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference. At the center of this impressive start is Jaylen Brown, making waves as he asserts himself as one of the league's top talents.

Jaylen Brown Stakes His Claim

But is Jaylen Brown the best player in the NBA? If you ask the man himself, the answer is a confident yes. During a recent Twitch livestream, Brown did not shy away from sharing his self-assessment. "I don't care who you say right now, ain't nobody doing it better than me right now," he declared.

Brown's conviction is backed by his standout performance this season. Since being drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in 2016, Brown's growth has been remarkable. This season, he's averaging career-high numbers with 29.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He's achieving these feats while shooting 49.7% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 78% from the free-throw line.

Career-High Performances

His offensive dominance is reflected in his shooting choices. Brown is attempting a career-high 21.5 shots per game and making 7.6 trips to the free-throw line. These statistics underscore his expanding role and influence on the court.

Last season saw Brown earning his fourth All-Star selection, marking his third consecutive appearance. His performance trajectory suggests he's headed toward another All-Star nod, with a real shot at his first starting slot.

A Championship Pedigree

The 2024 season further solidified Brown's reputation when he played a pivotal role in the Celtics' championship triumph, earning the Finals MVP title. With Jayson Tatum's return uncertain, Brown is set to shoulder even more responsibility and leadership as the Celtics aim for another title run.

Final Thoughts

While some may question Brown's self-proclaimed title as the NBA's best, his performance this season certainly places him among the elite. As he continues to steer the Celtics through a challenging season, his bold claim could gain more traction. For fans and analysts alike, the question remains: can Brown maintain his stellar play and potentially lead the race for the NBA MVP award?