The Boston Celtics are gearing as much as begin their playoff run in opposition to the Orlando Magic tonight.
And NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith has defined what he thinks is an important factor for the defending champions to make one other title run.
“Main 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 stated.
Whereas acknowledging Boston’s collective power, Smith remained adamant that Brown’s availability and efficiency degree might in the end be the difference-maker for a workforce trying to safe back-to-back titles.
Smith’s concern is comprehensible on condition that Brown missed the final of the Celtics’ three regular-season video games, though he claimed to have been cleared for the primary recreation in opposition to the Magic.
Smith made certain to focus on the Celtics’ spectacular roster building and training that has made them the championship favorites.
“I perceive that they’re an entire workforce, they’re distinctive, nicely coached. They’ve obtained 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 numerous recognition, numerous credit score,” Smith acknowledged earlier than circling again to his principal level.
Averaging 14.3 factors and three.5 assists per recreation throughout 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 workforce’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 stress 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 in opposition to Orlando, everybody’s obtained 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.
