New Orleans Pelicans Debrief Discussions: Jaylen Brown
- Some executives are speaking about Brown’s intellect and outside interests and coupling it with arrogance. Are their concerns legitimate or is it a reflection on how much over analyzing takes place during a pre draft process?
Charles: There has been a lot of noise lately about Jaylen Brown’s IQ or that he is arrogant, but, from my point of view, that is entirely misleading. The most likely thing is that Brown just marches to the beat of his own drum.
Here is a quote from Jaylen Brown himself:
"“I am who I am. Take it or leave it, I’m not going to change my values and change my approach because someone feels uncomfortable. I am not going to be disrespectful or step on any toes. But I am going to be me.”"
That may be perceived as arrogance, but as this article from the Undefeated states, he is highly intellgient, to the point where he even takes graduate classes. Over analysis is definitely the correct way to describe the reports that Brown is arrogant. It is more likely that Brown’s high IQ and willingness to be himself clashes with front offices who would want a more traditional approach.
Preston: I’m actually with Charles on this. It’s actually very possible that Jaylen Brown is an arrogant player. Most NBA players are. The King of our league himself is incapable of switching teams without a “pause everything” national media outlet to demonstrate his importance.
But what is arrogance?
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“An exaggerated sense of one’s worth, abilities or importance.”
After we discover whether Jaylen Brown can make an immediate impact for his newfound team, then we can make an argument for, or against his “arrogance.”
And that’s the point. Can he play? While he has all the ability and size, he suffered a substandard season at Cal last year. Was he unfocused because of his affinity for chess? Or was he simply biding his time while waiting for his first NBA contract, like another disinterested college star, Ben Simmons.
This is more a disease of draft experts wanting players to experience no life or hobby outside of basketball. Players are expected to eat, sleep, dream, and date basketball, and only basketball.
It’s ridiculous, but it’s a standard granted to us by the immortals like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Bill Russell. Competitiveness, it seems, was the only hobby instilled in their DNA. But this is an impossible standard.
Next: The ceiling and the cellar