Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is gearing up for what could be a breakout season in 2025-26, as his teammate Jayson Tatum is expected to miss the entire year due to a torn Achilles. With Tatum sidelined, Brown will be thrust into the spotlight as the primary leader on the Celtics’ roster, presenting a rare opportunity to take full command of the team’s offense and leadership.
This shift comes amid a Celtics roster overhaul, positioning Brown as the alpha player in a year filled with uncertainty and high expectations amid lowered external pressure.
Comparison to Scottie Pippen’s Rise Without Michael Jordan
Analyst Law Murray of The Athletic draws a strong parallel between Brown’s upcoming role and Scottie Pippen’s transformation during Michael Jordan’s 1993-94 absence from the Chicago Bulls. During that season, Pippen elevated his game significantly, averaging career-high points, rebounds, assists, and steals, while earning third place in MVP voting and selections to the All-<a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA First and All-Defensive First Teams.
Murray argued that Brown has the talent and opportunity to replicate a similar breakthrough, becoming the undisputed leader and top option for Boston. As Murray puts it,
“This is the opportunity that, if you’re Jaylen Brown, you should have wanted this your whole career.”
—Law Murray, The Athletic
From Co-Star to Leading Role: Changing Perceptions of Brown’s Ability
While Brown has long been recognized as a talented player, questions remain about his capacity to carry a title-contending team as its best player. Historically seen as a secondary option alongside Tatum, this season presents Brown with his first real chance to fully prove his value as a No. 1 option over a full NBA campaign.
Boston’s rebuilding phase means the Celtics are not favorites for a championship this year, but Brown’s motivation to elevate his game amid these challenges could rewrite narratives about his ceiling and leadership potential.
Implications for the Celtics and the Season Ahead
As the Celtics adjust to the absence of their star forward, the spotlight on Brown grows heavier, and his performance will be critical to Boston’s competitiveness this season. The comparison to Pippen sets a high bar, but it also underscores the significance of this moment for Brown’s career trajectory.
If Brown can channel the leadership and all-around excellence that Pippen displayed during Jordan’s hiatus, it could alter Boston’s outlook and give Celtics fans hope despite the obstacles.
With a roster in transition and Tatum out, Brown’s breakout season could redefine the Celtics’ identity and shift perceptions about his role in the franchise’s future.