Better current player: Brown or Tatum?

[keevsnick1]

I think Tatum projects as the better talent long term, he is a rookie after all, but Brown is the better player right now. Brown is also the more valuable commodity at the moment because we don't really have anything else that even looks like a SG swing man on this team right at the moment. I also find them very complimentary players as far as their skill sets, this is probably also coaching.

The crazy thing is that people are harping on handles and TO's and neither guy turns the ball over. Tatum's TO% is 10, Brown's 12 to put that in context Paul Pierce was 13.2 for his career. You compare that numbers to some of the biggest stars in the game either at the same point in the career or even later and you will see this isn't really an issue.

One interesting contrast I see is that while Brown seems to rise to the occasion better at this point, if he struggles early he either loses faith in himself or Stevens seems to lose faith in him either way you don't see Jalen shoot his way out of a cold start very often. In that way I think Tatum is more of a pure scorer he doesn't seem to be affected by an 0-7 start. The really special part with Tatum especially at such a young age and early part of his development is that he seems to really be able to contribute when he isn't scoring either on the glass or getting in passing lanes, blocking shots. I would say his ability to impact the game without scoring is superior to Brown, who I think is a better individual defender but doesn't necessarily have the same box score impact as far as rebounding and shot blocking.

Ya I disagree with that a little. Rebounding wise their numbers this year were virtually identical, and if anything i think Brown might be a better offensive rebounder. Passing wise their numbers and skills are the again pretty similar and quite frankly both need to improve in that regard. Steal numbers again were vitually identical. So really the one area Tatum has an advantage in box score stats is blocked shots, part of that is the role they play as Brown is ften tasked with guarding the best or seocnd best eprimeter shooter, including point guards at time and so isnt really a big part of inetrior help defense, which tatum more often is, but tatum is a better shot blocker for sure. Still, brown has a pretty sizable edge in one on one defense.

[sam_I_am]

Great article on Brown by Jacki McMullen.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23245604/the-revival-jaylen-brown-boston-celtics-surging-star-nba

[Celtic Esquire]

Great article on Brown by Jacki McMullen.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23245604/the-revival-jaylen-brown-boston-celtics-surging-star-nba

Jackie Mac is one of the best. Some great quotes in that article.

I also love Gerald Green. Wish we had re-signed him instead of Nader.

Last season's Celtics roster was stockpiled with underpaid veterans who stalked the hallways of the practice facility with chips the size of Ferris wheels on their shoulders. The uncommon demeanor and quiet confidence of a blue-chip prospect such as Brown, whose mellow visage masks his true competitiveness, occasionally landed him in the cross hairs of his teammates. There was the celebrated squabble with Marcus Smart last March during a win over the Timberwolves, when Brown freelanced his way to the hoop on a drive (and missed). The next time down the floor, an animated Smart scolded him, "Wait on the play!'' Isaiah Thomas was notorious for riding Brown hard for his defensive lapses -- even though IT's own defensive rating was among the worst in the league.

"Jaylen didn't know the [defensive] rotations,'' says former Celtic Gerald Green. "The guys would get on him. I pulled Jaylen aside and told him, 'They just want you to be better.' To his credit, he didn't say, 'F--- this, I don't want to be everyone's punching bag.' Instead, he said, 'OK, I understand.'''

"Last year was definitely a different group," Horford concedes. "We had some guys out here scrapping, grinding but also doing a lot of talking. No one really pulled Jaylen under their wing. But Jaylen observed, he listened, and I think he learned a lot.''

...

As he navigated this new, unfamiliar basketball role, he discovered an unlikely mentor in the very man who hijacked his minutes -- Gerald Green. The well-traveled veteran tugged at his teammate's shoulders and told him, "You can be special. But you gotta grab that chance. It starts here. In practice.'' No more lapses, Green stressed. No more wasted possessions. And -- most of all -- no hanging your head.

"I've seen young guys break down in those situations,'' Green says. "They're cruising along, playing great, then their minutes get funky and they fall apart. Some of them never recover.

"That didn't happen with Jaylen.''

[cloverleaf]

Both keepers.

[sully00]

I think Tatum projects as the better talent long term, he is a rookie after all, but Brown is the better player right now. Brown is also the more valuable commodity at the moment because we don't really have anything else that even looks like a SG swing man on this team right at the moment. I also find them very complimentary players as far as their skill sets, this is probably also coaching.

The crazy thing is that people are harping on handles and TO's and neither guy turns the ball over. Tatum's TO% is 10, Brown's 12 to put that in context Paul Pierce was 13.2 for his career. You compare that numbers to some of the biggest stars in the game either at the same point in the career or even later and you will see this isn't really an issue.

One interesting contrast I see is that while Brown seems to rise to the occasion better at this point, if he struggles early he either loses faith in himself or Stevens seems to lose faith in him either way you don't see Jalen shoot his way out of a cold start very often. In that way I think Tatum is more of a pure scorer he doesn't seem to be affected by an 0-7 start. The really special part with Tatum especially at such a young age and early part of his development is that he seems to really be able to contribute when he isn't scoring either on the glass or getting in passing lanes, blocking shots. I would say his ability to impact the game without scoring is superior to Brown, who I think is a better individual defender but doesn't necessarily have the same box score impact as far as rebounding and shot blocking.

Ya I disagree with that a little. Rebounding wise their numbers this year were virtually identical, and if anything i think Brown might be a better offensive rebounder. Passing wise their numbers and skills are the again pretty similar and quite frankly both need to improve in that regard. Steal numbers again were vitually identical. So really the one area Tatum has an advantage in box score stats is blocked shots, part of that is the role they play as Brown is ften tasked with guarding the best or seocnd best eprimeter shooter, including point guards at time and so isnt really a big part of inetrior help defense, which tatum more often is, but tatum is a better shot blocker for sure. Still, brown has a pretty sizable edge in one on one defense.

Not so much a pure stat argument. More about when Tatum isn't scoring he does other things, when JB isn't scoring his overall game falls off more. Brown's game is fed off of scoring while I think Tatum expects to score.

[Upperclass]

Tatum's lack of focus could be a problem at some point.. He seems to be unable to lock in pretty often and seems to go through the motions. Part of it is because i dont think he quite knows what he's doing situationally at all times.. other times i just think his focus heavily drifts

[Valid]

This series has answered this question. It's Brown right now, and it's not particularly close. He is quite a bit ahead of Tatum at the current point in time. I fully expect that Tatum will start closing the gap next year, but right now, its Brown. He just has a better feel for the game, and even when he isn't scoring, you know he is on the floor. The same can't really be said for Tatum. When he isn't hitting his shots, his impact is rather minimal and he tends to go M.I.A. Again, that's for RIGHT NOW.

[Valid]

I think Tatum projects as the better talent long term, he is a rookie after all, but Brown is the better player right now. Brown is also the more valuable commodity at the moment because we don't really have anything else that even looks like a SG swing man on this team right at the moment. I also find them very complimentary players as far as their skill sets, this is probably also coaching.

The crazy thing is that people are harping on handles and TO's and neither guy turns the ball over. Tatum's TO% is 10, Brown's 12 to put that in context Paul Pierce was 13.2 for his career. You compare that numbers to some of the biggest stars in the game either at the same point in the career or even later and you will see this isn't really an issue.

One interesting contrast I see is that while Brown seems to rise to the occasion better at this point, if he struggles early he either loses faith in himself or Stevens seems to lose faith in him either way you don't see Jalen shoot his way out of a cold start very often. In that way I think Tatum is more of a pure scorer he doesn't seem to be affected by an 0-7 start. The really special part with Tatum especially at such a young age and early part of his development is that he seems to really be able to contribute when he isn't scoring either on the glass or getting in passing lanes, blocking shots. I would say his ability to impact the game without scoring is superior to Brown, who I think is a better individual defender but doesn't necessarily have the same box score impact as far as rebounding and shot blocking.

Ya I disagree with that a little. Rebounding wise their numbers this year were virtually identical, and if anything i think Brown might be a better offensive rebounder. Passing wise their numbers and skills are the again pretty similar and quite frankly both need to improve in that regard. Steal numbers again were vitually identical. So really the one area Tatum has an advantage in box score stats is blocked shots, part of that is the role they play as Brown is ften tasked with guarding the best or seocnd best eprimeter shooter, including point guards at time and so isnt really a big part of inetrior help defense, which tatum more often is, but tatum is a better shot blocker for sure. Still, brown has a pretty sizable edge in one on one defense.

Not so much a pure stat argument. More about when Tatum isn't scoring he does other things, when JB isn't scoring his overall game falls off more. Brown's game is fed off of scoring while I think Tatum expects to score.

See, I think it's the other way around. I think Brown affects the game in more ways than Tatum.

[keevsnick1]

I think Tatum projects as the better talent long term, he is a rookie after all, but Brown is the better player right now. Brown is also the more valuable commodity at the moment because we don't really have anything else that even looks like a SG swing man on this team right at the moment. I also find them very complimentary players as far as their skill sets, this is probably also coaching.

The crazy thing is that people are harping on handles and TO's and neither guy turns the ball over. Tatum's TO% is 10, Brown's 12 to put that in context Paul Pierce was 13.2 for his career. You compare that numbers to some of the biggest stars in the game either at the same point in the career or even later and you will see this isn't really an issue.

One interesting contrast I see is that while Brown seems to rise to the occasion better at this point, if he struggles early he either loses faith in himself or Stevens seems to lose faith in him either way you don't see Jalen shoot his way out of a cold start very often. In that way I think Tatum is more of a pure scorer he doesn't seem to be affected by an 0-7 start. The really special part with Tatum especially at such a young age and early part of his development is that he seems to really be able to contribute when he isn't scoring either on the glass or getting in passing lanes, blocking shots. I would say his ability to impact the game without scoring is superior to Brown, who I think is a better individual defender but doesn't necessarily have the same box score impact as far as rebounding and shot blocking.

Ya I disagree with that a little. Rebounding wise their numbers this year were virtually identical, and if anything i think Brown might be a better offensive rebounder. Passing wise their numbers and skills are the again pretty similar and quite frankly both need to improve in that regard. Steal numbers again were vitually identical. So really the one area Tatum has an advantage in box score stats is blocked shots, part of that is the role they play as Brown is ften tasked with guarding the best or seocnd best eprimeter shooter, including point guards at time and so isnt really a big part of inetrior help defense, which tatum more often is, but tatum is a better shot blocker for sure. Still, brown has a pretty sizable edge in one on one defense.

Not so much a pure stat argument. More about when Tatum isn't scoring he does other things, when JB isn't scoring his overall game falls off more. Brown's game is fed off of scoring while I think Tatum expects to score.

Ya i get what you are saying, I just don't think you are right. To me its the exact opposite, when Tatums shot isnt falling he can look absolutely brutal. The fact that Brown is pretty much always solid on defense means that even when hes not scoring he still has at least some value. But what I will say is the regardless of how they are playing they both have the right attitude, they want the team to win.

[cloverleaf]

Ya I disagree with that a little. Rebounding wise their numbers this year were virtually identical, and if anything i think Brown might be a better offensive rebounder. Passing wise their numbers and skills are the again pretty similar and quite frankly both need to improve in that regard. Steal numbers again were vitually identical. So really the one area Tatum has an advantage in box score stats is blocked shots, part of that is the role they play as Brown is ften tasked with guarding the best or seocnd best eprimeter shooter, including point guards at time and so isnt really a big part of inetrior help defense, which tatum more often is, but tatum is a better shot blocker for sure. Still, brown has a pretty sizable edge in one on one defense.

Not so much a pure stat argument. More about when Tatum isn't scoring he does other things, when JB isn't scoring his overall game falls off more. Brown's game is fed off of scoring while I think Tatum expects to score.

Ya i get what you are saying, I just don't think you are right. To me its the exact opposite, when Tatums shot isnt falling he can look absolutely brutal. The fact that Brown is pretty much always solid on defense means that even when hes not scoring he still has at least some value. But what I will say is the regardless of how they are playing they both have the right attitude, they want the team to win.

I still think the big difference is how they started and ended the season. JB started primarily as a scorer and JT was ahead from the elite shooting to seeing the floor, rebounding, blocks, assists, etc. But his shooting fell back down to earth and that did to me seem to impact him some in other ways. JB has just got more and more and more the hang of the whole thing as the year has gone on, so he actually finished stronger than Tatum.

[nickgammon]

This series has answered this question. It's Brown right now, and it's not particularly close. He is quite a bit ahead of Tatum at the current point in time. I fully expect that Tatum will start closing the gap next year, but right now, its Brown. He just has a better feel for the game, and even when he isn't scoring, you know he is on the floor. The same can't really be said for Tatum. When he isn't hitting his shots, his impact is rather minimal and he tends to go M.I.A. Again, that's for RIGHT NOW.

Yep, I think you nailed it. And I was thinking about how Jayson got benched down the stretch the other night. It’s obviously completely different situations, but it reminded me of Jaylen getting yanked in the Chicago series. After that series is when Jaylen really started to wake up. We can only hope the same happends for Jayson.

Either way, I’m not worried about the future for him. He’ll be a 25 PPG scorer in the NBA in a few years.

[pac213up]

Regular season is was fairly even but Brown has separated himself during the post season. His scoring versatility is superior to Tatum at this point. Tatum (as expected) has had issues with the physicality of the post season. Also he struggles to finish at the rim (too soft underhand stuff) and needs to work on his left hand a ton. All stuff that will take care of itself over the next year or two...as it did with Jaylen.

[Theocy]

Brown went from something like 8ppg to 14ppg on his second year. Can we expect Tatum to go from 14ppg to 25ppg on his sophomore?

[sam_I_am]

Brown went from something like 8ppg to 14ppg on his second year. Can we expect Tatum to go from 14ppg to 25ppg on his sophomore?

If we were the Nets, yes! On this loaded roster, he will average a stellar 17 ppg. When Kyrie is drawing attention and Hayward is dishing and driving, his 3 point shot will be devastating. Brown’s 3 point shooting has taken an enormous leap in this series. He too could shock us next year.

[flintsky21]

Brown's advantage over Tatum right now is that he's more assertive, and I think that's because he's a bit older and has a bit more experience. Brown is more decisive when going to the basket while Tatum often stops his dribble and going for up fakes.

[keevsnick1]

Not so much a pure stat argument. More about when Tatum isn't scoring he does other things, when JB isn't scoring his overall game falls off more. Brown's game is fed off of scoring while I think Tatum expects to score.

Ya i get what you are saying, I just don't think you are right. To me its the exact opposite, when Tatums shot isnt falling he can look absolutely brutal. The fact that Brown is pretty much always solid on defense means that even when hes not scoring he still has at least some value. But what I will say is the regardless of how they are playing they both have the right attitude, they want the team to win.

I still think the big difference is how they started and ended the season. JB started primarily as a scorer and JT was ahead from the elite shooting to seeing the floor, rebounding, blocks, assists, etc. But his shooting fell back down to earth and that did to me seem to impact him some in other ways. JB has just got more and more and more the hang of the whole thing as the year has gone on, so he actually finished stronger than Tatum.

I certainly think Brown gas improved as the season went along. But I disagree about Tatum being ahead in áreas like reboubding, seeing the floor, assistant ect to start the season. Those áreas have been fairly even all year. Where Tatum held a huge advantage was shooting, but that was build on an imposibly high 3pnt percentage that was bound to even out. Even at 43 percent it wouldn't suprise me if it dropped a couple points next year considering the relativkey small sample (3 per game).

[JJHondo17]

I agree with the general sentiment in the thread. "Currently", based on his playoff performance, Brown is better.Next year at this time, I think we'll be saying Jayson is better. Long Term, I believe Jason will have the better career. Have to give up one of them in a Khawi / AD trade? The answer is Jaylen. Although I hope we can keep both of them.

[zimpy27]

It's interesting, before the playoffs Jaylen was the easy answer to move in an AD/Kawhi trade. People were hoping he'd show out in the playoffs so that Boston wouldn't have to give up much more beyond him. Now he is showing out, it becomes questionable as to whether you want him gone at all.

Never get high on your own supply.

[keevsnick1]

I agree with the general sentiment in the thread. "Currently", based on his playoff performance, Brown is better.Next year at this time, I think we'll be saying Jayson is better. Long Term, I believe Jason will have the better career. Have to give up one of them in a Khawi / AD trade? The answer is Jaylen. Although I hope we can keep both of them.

Ya i suspect I'm in the minority on this opinin, but I think Jayen will be the better long term player. I just like the combination of elite athleticism and the drive he has to be great combined with his already serious improvement. But time will tell. Its craxy we have both of these guys. Hopefully we add another with the Lakings pick. And another with the Memphis pick.

[Kalela]

Tatum really needs to get stronger. His lack of strength is affecting both his offense and defense in a massive way.