Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown is an athletic swingman who can defend and play well in transition. But for USA Basketball this summer, his role might look a bit different than what it’s generally been during his three years in the NBA.
Brown spoke to reporters recently in Australia at Team USA’s training camp for the FIBA World Cup. The Americans are practicing in Australia, where they’ll play two exhibition games against the Boomers on Aug. 22 and Aug. 24.
Brown said that while he’ll still be the same player who attacks and is aggressive, the potential new role will consist of him being more of a “utility guy.”
“Of course, being aggressive and attacking, but also being a physical guy, being the guy that’s getting the rebounds, being the guy that’s diving on the floors for loose balls, being a guy that’s being physical, pushing guys around,” Brown said, per USA Basketball’s website.
The advent of the utility player in the NBA has helped create more versatile lineups, with Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green being the league’s quintessential utility player. With Brown standing 6-foot-7, he has the size and range to defend power forwards, an asset that could be key for Team USA on defense.
“I feel like I can play the four, guard the fours with my strength and versatility, and it will be tough for a four to guard me,” Brown said.
