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We're watching this young man evolve in real time. He's turning into the leader of this team and I'm ready to follow. He's starting to have that look about him. That look like when you know a player is locked in and will not be denied. It got my attention when I saw him do this same thing against Denver earlier in the year, and that was against Aaron Gordon.

He's plowing through defenders like a mini Zion. He's making the extra pass and he's not turning the ball over. And now he's even stepping up to the line and drilling free throws? His answers to the interview questions are also on point. He's saying all the right things and he's LEADING on the court. I don't know about you folks but I'm getting really excited right now. Every champion needs a leader and it looks like we've found one.

This version of JB is reminding me of Shawn Kemp.

The plowing through defenders, the shooting, and the finishing at the rim is really Kemp-like.

JB taking over the leadership role that used to belong to Marcus Smart is great for the Cs.

He’s him

Credit Joe for sticking with JB as a playmaker during the regular season.

Early in the season, Cs fans wanted Joe to stop letting JB handle the ball.

But Joe never wavered, insisting that he wants JB to become a better all around player.

You’re right. I’ve never seen him physically dominate quite like this before. He looks too strong, fast, and long to stop. It’s been a treat to watch.

As I posted in the VC thread, there were a LOT of plays in Game 2 where he made major use of his hang time.

He's always had the athleticism for that, but it's been much rarer that he put it to such varied and effective use.

Thought about making a similar thread. His demeanor in virtually every in-game and post-game interview since the playoffs started has been of incredible intensity and focus, likewise for the rare in-game audio clips that are caught (*bit of a joke, but the lone exception being his reaction to the congratulatory shoulder poke from tatum). In 2024, you see plenty of players say the expected or "right" thing with a sheepish demeanor. Jaylen, however, is presenting his best Daenerys Targaryen energy, completely ready to smash the wheel and burn cities to the ground. Likewise, while his handle historically has evoked crazy anxiety in me when he goes into tone setter mode, it's just different these last two months. I don't know how his teammates can't be incredibly inspired by his approach. Prior to game 2 tip-off, I genuinely wondered if we are actively witnessing Jaylen become the Alpha of this team (N.B., Not to be confused with most inherent talent or 'best' player.). I adore Tatum, Jrue, D. White, and Porzingahd, but, I'm not sure any of them are wired to serve that Daenerys energy every championship squad seems to have, and it's a true joy to see this growth from Jaylen. I have a suspicion there has been some tremendous mentorship from Jrue, but I don't want to take anything away from Brown.

Anyone who has been around, y'all know this team has had more 'soft as Charmin' references than any team with such success I can remember in recent years. Props to Jaylen for going the complete opposite direction on this.

If he had more than 2 assists you might call him a leader.

Last night he was Dominique Wilkins redux because no Indiana player could guard him, particularly in a helter skelter game. That's offensive talent, not leadership.

Jrue doesn't know ball

big YES to all of this. He came into the league 'too smart for pro sports' (not true but whatever) and dabbled with 'fiery but maybe temperamental and maybe he likes Kanye too much?' but it feels like he's finally dialed in the right vibe of 'dumb jock focused on just winning just leading his team just locked in on that next win'. I'm putting this video here just for the thumbnail -- THAT Jaylen can lead guys on his own team, and intimidate guys on other teams, and make the media swoon a bit -- and IMO he didn't used to have that, but has grown into that.



and because we ALWAYS bring the other Jay into it -- Jayson doesn't have that. When Jayson tries to look cool, he just looks like a nice guy trying to look cool, who can't tune out things like worries about if people like him.

I tell you, my degree in armchair psychology is paying off handsomely. You should SEE the fake diplomas on my fake walls!

Curmudgeon wrote:If he had more than 2 assists you might call him a leader.

Last night he was Dominique Wilkins redux because no Indiana player could guard him, particularly in a helter skelter game. That's offensive talent, not leadership.

This is an absolutely bizarre take. And doesn't even address the actual topic: Jaylen's leadership.

31to6 wrote:big YES to all of this. He came into the league 'too smart for pro sports' (not true but whatever) and dabbled with 'fiery but maybe temperamental and maybe he likes Kanye too much?' but it feels like he's finally dialed in the right vibe of 'dumb jock focused on just winning just leading his team just locked in on that next win'. I'm putting this video here just for the thumbnail -- THAT Jaylen can lead guys on his own team, and intimidate guys on other teams, and make the media swoon a bit -- and IMO he didn't used to have that, but has grown into that.

Watch on YouTube

and because we ALWAYS bring the other Jay into it -- Jayson doesn't have that. When Jayson tries to look cool, he just looks like a nice guy trying to look cool, who can't tune out things like worries about if people like him.

I tell you, my degree in armchair psychology is paying off handsomely. You should SEE the fake diplomas on my fake walls!

You don't even have real walls?

fallguy wrote:

Spoiler:

31to6 wrote:big YES to all of this. He came into the league 'too smart for pro sports' (not true but whatever) and dabbled with 'fiery but maybe temperamental and maybe he likes Kanye too much?' but it feels like he's finally dialed in the right vibe of 'dumb jock focused on just winning just leading his team just locked in on that next win'. I'm putting this video here just for the thumbnail -- THAT Jaylen can lead guys on his own team, and intimidate guys on other teams, and make the media swoon a bit -- and IMO he didn't used to have that, but has grown into that.

Watch on YouTube

and because we ALWAYS bring the other Jay into it -- Jayson doesn't have that. When Jayson tries to look cool, he just looks like a nice guy trying to look cool, who can't tune out things like worries about if people like him.

I tell you, my degree in armchair psychology is paying off handsomely. You should SEE the fake diplomas on my fake walls!

You don't even have real walls?

just walls of text!

Curmudgeon wrote:If he had more than 2 assists you might call him a leader.

Last night he was Dominique Wilkins redux because no Indiana player could guard him, particularly in a helter skelter game. That's offensive talent, not leadership.

If a team can't stop you keep shooting. Once they gave him the attention he demanded, he was making all the right plays.

If that was JT on a heater would you be questioning his assist total?

Jaylen passing was superb last night, whether it led to a high assist total or not.

rd26 wrote:

Curmudgeon wrote:If he had more than 2 assists you might call him a leader.

Last night he was Dominique Wilkins redux because no Indiana player could guard him, particularly in a helter skelter game. That's offensive talent, not leadership.

If a team can't stop you keep shooting. Once they gave him the attention he demanded, he was making all the right plays.

If that was JT on a heater would you be questioning his assist total?

Jaylen passing was superb last night, whether it led to a high assist total or not.

Also, I don't care about the assist numbers. I'm not talking about a floor leader, I'm talking about a core, long-term member of this group besides Smart (who definitely veered too much into irrational confidence territory) who is repping the Heisenberg, "I'M THE ONE WHO KNOCKS" energy, and JB has been oozing it.

I'm wondering just how strong is Jaylen? Guys are bouncing off him like they're not even there.

He_Got_Game wrote:I'm wondering just how strong is Jaylen? Guys are bouncing off him like they're not even there.

Rumor has it he can deadlift 600 lbs.

Idk if that’s true but he’s really played an excellent series as someone who’s not a Jaylen guy. If he doesn’t win ECF MVP, I’m mad for him.

He_Got_Game wrote:I'm wondering just how strong is Jaylen? Guys are bouncing off him like they're not even there.

As strong as 10 elephants.

Doesn't count since Indiana isn't 100% healthy.