Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce just made his thoughts on Jaylen Brown clear. During a new episode of the No Fouls Given podcast, Pierce called Brown the “best two-way player in the NBA” and asserted that JB is the No. 2 MVP candidate right now behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pierce reminded everyone how ridiculous it is that Brown was left off the 2024 Olympic team while discussing how JB has been disrespected and undervalued in NBA circles for a long time.
Brown himself has been unafraid to acknowledge this disrespect in recent interviews and live streams. On New Year’s Eve, Brown posted a message to X saying that he’s the best-two way player in the world, and to Jaylen’s credit, his play has backed up that confidence.
Brown has delivered MVP production through nearly half of the 2025-26 NBA season for the Celtics. Stepping into the primary offensive role amid Jayson Tatum’s absence due to an Achilles injury, Brown has elevated his game without diminishing role players’ opportunities. His scoring surge in December included a franchise-record-tying streak of nine consecutive 30-point games.
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Entering January, Brown has shown no signs of slowing down. On January 1, he poured in 29 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a win over the Sacramento Kings. Then, on January 3 against the Clippers, he erupted for a career-high-tying 50 points on efficient 18-of-26 shooting, including six threes, while adding five assists in a dominant 146-115 victory.
Featured image via Winslow Townson/Imagn Images
