New Orleans Pelicans Debrief Discussions: Jaylen Brown
- What do you see as Brown’s ceiling? What about his basement? What factors could determine the two?
Charles: The ceiling of Brown is extremely high, and that is made obvious by the number of executives who have been gawking at his potential despite his lack of an outside shot.
Now, if we are talking absolute best case dream scenario, then Brown reminds me a lot of Draymond Green. While it is extremely doubtful that he reaches these heights , the similarities are there. Both players have the ability to guard any position on the floor, and, while Green is considerably bigger, Jaylen Brown is only 19 and still filling into his frame. Brown, like Draymond is excellent in transition with both players able to start the break and finish the break. Another is the fire that both players possess. Neither of them are willing to just sit back and accept something they don’t agree with. With these players it’s a “my way or the highway” approach, something that is missing from this current team.
The Pelicans are currently lacking a player who holds the mantra of “emotional leader”, and, due to his defiant nature, Brown has the potential to fulfill that role. Now, as for the worst case scenario in which Brown never learns to shoot and is actually the detriment some think he is, I see Jan Vesely.
It would be naive for me to say that Jaylen Brown is a sure thing. He is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft, not only for his freakish athleticism but due to his severely underdeveloped offensive skillset. However, that should not scare the Pelicans away. If Brown is on the board, he needs to be the pick. For a team that has had so many problems on the wing and so many problems defending, the Pelicans can’t afford to pass up a player who can finally plug those massive holes.
Preston: While Jaylen Brown and Draymond Green are comparable in size, I think it’s unfair to compare the two. We’ve never seen a player like Draymond. He not only boasts the basketball intellect to guard all five positions, he also carries the want. Guarding all five spots, including center as a smaller defender, requires a once in a generation type fire.
He’s also one of the best passers in the league, an exceptional rebounder, and can lead an offense in transition AND the half court offense. I think it’s unlikely to expect it again, because outside of Magic Johnson, we simply haven’t seen it. And in terms of shooting, Draymond experienced an impressive 39 percent from three his senior year, while Brown suffered a miserable 29 percent.
And to simply compare the two’s collegiate performances:
Jaylen Brown: http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jaylen-brown-1.html#players_per_game::none
Draymond Green: http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/draymond-green-1.html#players_per_game::none
Most experts are comparing him to Jimmy Butler and Stanley Johnson, and I think these are more apt comparisons. Their size and athleticism levels are a little more evenly matched. They even have the same haircut! Jimmy Butler came into the league as a raw, athletic and aggressive defender who deferred to players on the offensive end until substantial injuries forced his hand. Stanley Johnson is an aggressive defender, even giving Lebron trouble at times, with an albeit better shooting stroke.
More from Pelican Debrief
- How will the Pelicans round out rotation without Trey Murphy III
- Why you can’t blame Brandon Ingram for all Team USA’s failures
- Ranking 10 worst starters of the Anthony Davis era
- New Orleans Pelicans avoid potential disaster with latest injury reports
- 4 Most underrated players on New Orleans Pelicans current roster
While these two comparisons provide plenty to get excited about, our focus should be on development. Jimmy Butler excelled because he was given room to grow. He averaged 8.5 minutes his rookie year in a crowded backcourt. His second season saw his contributions grow to 26 minutes a game. Stanley Johnson averaged 20 minutes per game, and Kawhi Leonard 24.
Forcing Jaylen Brown into an impact type role could hinder his development and lead to a Jeff Green like career.
Jeff Green and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist came into the league as immediate contributors. Green averaged 28 minutes and became a career 44 percent shooter, 34 percent from 3. He is an average defender on the wing, but lacks the concentration and focus to deliver his full potential.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist came in at 26 minutes per game. This has also translated to a poor shooting career at 46 percent overall, 24 percent from 3. Like Green, he carries his weight on the defensive end and hasn’t lived up to his high lottery selection.
If the Pelicans want Jaylen Brown to be a meaningful contributor on the offensive end in the future, they have to remain patient with him. Keeping him as a third scoring option or below off the bench is the best place to start.
Next: Immediate impact