The Boston Celtics are gearing as much as begin their playoff run towards the Orlando Magic tonight.
And NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith has defined what he thinks is crucial factor for the defending champions to make one other title run.
“Major factor I need to see is the well being of Jaylen Brown. As a result of I believe in the event that they’re going to repeat as champions, they want Jaylen Brown,” Smith mentioned.
Whereas acknowledging Boston’s collective energy, Smith remained adamant that Brown’s availability and efficiency stage might in the end be the difference-maker for a group seeking to safe back-to-back titles.
Smith’s concern is comprehensible provided that Brown missed the final of the Celtics’ three regular-season video games, though he claimed to have been cleared for the primary sport towards the Magic.
Smith made positive to spotlight the Celtics’ spectacular roster building and training that has made them the championship favorites.
“I perceive that they’re a whole group, they’re distinctive, properly coached. They’ve acquired dudes that may ship the products,” he famous.
The analyst particularly praised sixth man Payton Pritchard, who has emerged as a key contributor off the bench.
“Payton Pritchard has been one thing particular for them off the bench this 12 months, deserves a variety of recognition, a variety of credit score,” Smith acknowledged earlier than circling again to his most important level.
Averaging 14.3 factors and three.5 assists per sport in the course of the common season, Pritchard joins the star-studded beginning lineup of Jayson Tatum, Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and Jrue Vacation as Celtics gamers averaging double-digit factors.
Regardless of the group’s exceptional depth, Smith’s focus remained on Brown, whose stellar efficiency in final 12 months’s playoffs culminated in successful Finals MVP honors.
This championship pedigree raises each expectations and strain on Brown to ship comparable outcomes.
“However Jaylen Brown, the finals MVP, that brother must be prepared, makes no mistake about it.”
With the Celtics on the point of defend their title towards Orlando, everybody’s acquired their eyes on Brown’s well being and the way he’ll carry out.
Smith reckons that’ll be the important thing factor that decides whether or not Boston wins the Larry O’Brien Trophy for a second 12 months working.
