Jaylen Brown’s reputation plays a role in why few consider him an MVP candidate. However, it’s worth discussing because the Boston Celtics would not be where they are without him. Among those who believe Brown has a case to be the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Why Paul Pierce Thinks Jaylen Brown Deserves to Be in the MVP Conversation
While speaking with reporters, Pierce discussed how impressive the Celtics have been, given how much firepower they lost before the season and without Jayson Tatum. He also went out of his way to single out Brown.
“Brown is having an MVP season,” Pierce said, per CLNS Media’s Noa Dalzell. “Not enough is being said on how he’s held down the fort pretty much all year.”
“To still elevate your game in your 10th year is pretty amazing, because most of the time guys are who they are by the time in their 4th or 5th year, but just to see his maturation process at this stage, it’s just unfortunate that he’s not in MVP talks like he should be.”
Paul Pierce on Jaylen Brown:
“Brown is having an MVP season. Not enough is being said on how he’s held down the fort pretty much all year.”
“To still elevate your game in your 10th year is pretty amazing, because most of the time guys are who they are about time in their 4th or… pic.twitter.com/yPiTPuIQjm
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) March 22, 2026
In all fairness, this was the first time in Brown’s career that he was running the show. For so long, he and Tatum have formed a formidable partnership as two of the best two-way wings in the league, but Tatum was the one considered the bigger threat.
Such a role clearly subsidized what Brown was capable of with the Celtics. This season, with him leading the way, he’s proven the furthest extent of his talents. The fact that he’s getting such recognition from a Celtics legend like Pierce proves how memorable this season has been for him.
Even as Tatum has returned, Brown has continued to be the Celtics’ biggest standout. It’s clear Tatum will need time to get back to his pre-injury self, despite how impressive he’s been and how far he’s already come.
Brown probably won’t win MVP despite the fact that he’s had plenty to do with why the Celtics made out as well as they could have hoped under such dire circumstances coming into the season.
However, he will undoubtedly be in the top 10 in MVP voting (thanks in part to the 65-game rule) and will be on an All-NBA team. It shouldn’t infuriate anyone if he ends up on the first team.
If anything, Brown already had a pretty compelling case to be in the Hall of Fame and to get his number retired by the Celtics. This season has pretty much sealed the deal.
