Jaylen Brown proclaims himself best « two-way player » in the NBA
Dec 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (7) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Jaylen Brown doesn’t hold back. After his exceptional 50-point performance against the Clippers, the Boston Celtics forward proclaimed himself « best two-way player in the league » on social media. A bold statement that his current statistics seem to largely justify.
An unprecedented offensive explosion
The 2024 Finals MVP is currently going through the best period of his career. Since December 1st, Brown is averaging 33 points per game on 54.4% shooting, 40.9% from 3-point range and 79.8% from the free-throw line. He notably strung together 9 consecutive games with at least 30 points, tying Larry Bird’s Boston record.
This season, the 27-year-old American is averaging 29.5 points (6th best scorer in the NBA) with a career-high shooting percentage of 50.5% and 37.0% from 3-point range. In the absence of Jayson Tatum, sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, Brown has taken the keys to the Celtics offense and is leading them with authority. He’s also dishing out 5.0 assists per game, his best career average.
Best 2 way player in the game
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) December 31, 2025
Defense still rock solid
While Brown’s offensive explosion is impressive, it’s his defensive impact that justifies his « two-way player » status. Opponents shoot only 39.3% when Brown is the closest defender, ranking him 2nd in the NBA behind Cason Wallace and just ahead of Victor Wembanyama.
According to NBC Sports Boston, Brown defends the opposing team’s best player 11% of the time, more than any other star perimeter player in the league. He’s assigned to one of the opponent’s top 3 players 57% of the time, which makes his defensive statistics even more remarkable. This defensive versatility, coupled with his 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
With a record of 20 wins and 12 losses, the Celtics sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. If Brown maintains this exceptional level, a second All-NBA selection of his career seems within reach. Against competition from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama, the debate over the best « two-way player » in the NBA remains open, but Brown now has strong arguments.
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