Just hours before their showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Boston Celtics found out an important member of their rotation — starting wing Jaylen Brown — would be unable able to play due to an illness.
Brown, who would have played a key role in guarding Antetokounmpo (per The Athletic’s Jay King), has been one the Boston’s best players early in the season with averages of 17.3 points (on 50.0% shooting from the field), 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 block and 0.7 steals per game.
In fact, he’s been such a consistent playmaker on both sides of the ball that he may be performing like their best player — an important footnote in a season that’s seen the fourth-year pro sign a $115 million extension.
While guard Marcus Smart is the most apt comparison for Brown stylistically (though he’s more comfortable as a spot-up shooter), and will likely see an increase in playing time with Brown out. The Marietta native’s unavailability comes in concordance with the recent availability of rookie wing Romeo Langford, the 14th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Langford has yet to suit up for the Celtics this regular season after spraining his knee against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Boston’s preseason finale. Nonetheless, his scoring prowess has been well-regarded since high school and the Celtics may get their first chance to see their lottery pick on Wednesday.
Brown in unlikely to miss extended time but the sudden onset of his illness could have hardly happened at a worst time, as Stevens and the coaching staff now have to figure out how to make up for his absence.
