In what was projected to be a down season, the Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations while sitting second in the Eastern Conference. Five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown is the biggest reason why, emerging as an MVP candidate and a true face-of-the-franchise player this season. While Brown is included among the NBA’s best players this season, an NBA champion recently explained why Brown isn’t receiving the recognition he should.
Jeff Teague Says Jaylen Brown’s Independence Hurts His MVP Chances
NBA champion Jeff Teague discussed Brown’s MVP candidacy on the Club 520 Podcast and explained why he feels Brown isn’t getting the recognition he should. Teague suggested that Brown’s independent approach and tendency to do things his own way have limited his public profile compared to other stars.
Teague said, “He not the typical NBA guy. He don’t do nothing that most NBA players do. He just different, he got his own way about him. Right now, Jaylen Brown would be, he would be one of the faces of the league, but the fact that he does everything his own way, people barely talk about him. It should be way louder (mvp talk).
“I love Jayson Tatum to death but if that was JT? JT plays the game. And JB don’t. Like Tatum with Jordan, USA, he do everything right.”
Playing as the undisputed No. 1 option for the first time in his career, Brown is averaging a career-high 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and five assists per game this season. He ranks among the league leaders in usage rate, which outlines exactly how much the Celtics have leaned on him this year. Brown’s efficiency hasn’t dropped this season, even while having an increased workload, as he’s shooting 48% from the field.
With the Celtics holding one of the NBA’s best records at 41-21 and candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić on the eligibility bubble due to injuries and the 65-game minimum requirement, Brown has a strong shot to win the MVP Award if the Celtics keep winning. As Teague points out, the reaction to that may be mixed, as Brown is considered one of the most distinctive figures in the NBA.
Brown’s intelligence is polarizing to some, as a widely discussed report prior to the 2016 draft claimed that some scouts viewed him as “too smart for the league.” Teague is one of several NBA community members who question whether Brown’s intelligence and outspoken demeanor have cost him notoriety, especially compared to his All-NBA teammate Jayson Tatum.
Tatum, who is available to make his season debut tonight after recovering from an Achilles tear suffered in the 2025 playoffs, has a high-profile deal with Jordan Brand compared to Brown, who has been openly critical of Nike in the past and turned down a reported $50 million deal to start his own shoe brand. Tatum has also been in more national commercials than Brown, which helps build popularity.
The best things in life are worth waiting for 😏 pic.twitter.com/0qWVRBsV9I
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 6, 2026
The upcoming MVP vote could decide whether Teague and others are right, and Brown’s determination to stay true to himself may hurt his chances of ever winning the league’s most coveted individual award.
