Built Like Zion! Celtics Are Thrilled: The True Team Leader Has Arrived…

The Boston Celtics have always been a team of remarkable talent, but in recent years, a question has loomed over the franchise: Who is truly the alpha dog of this squad? For a long time, Jayson Tatum seemed to be the chosen one, but this summer, Jaylen Brown made a compelling case that the answer might not be so clear anymore. The Celtics organization—and perhaps even the NBA itself—could be witnessing the rise of their new top dog, and it’s none other than Brown himself.

Jaylen Brown: The Transformation

Looking at Jaylen Brown now, one might mistake him for someone with the build and power of Zion Williamson. His physical development has been jaw-dropping—he’s bulked up significantly, with arms that resemble those of someone who’s been single-handedly lifting the weight of the Celtics' aspirations. His physical transformation isn’t just a testament to his hard work in the gym, but also a reflection of his determination to evolve from a number-two option into the leader of the team.

Brown’s imposing presence has not gone unnoticed by his teammates, especially Tatum. There’s no denying Tatum’s talent and leadership qualities, but with his summer spent competing at the Paris Olympics, Brown had the offseason to focus on leveling up. The Celtics’ dynamic duo has always been positioned as a 1A and 1B type of partnership, but if Brown’s recent surge continues, we could see him rivaling Tatum for that top spot in Boston's hierarchy.

Brown’s ambitions, it seems, are as big as his biceps. He’s not content with playing second fiddle anymore. And to be honest, why should he be? After all, Brown just wrapped up a summer where he bagged both the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP. Such accolades make it hard for anyone to see him as anything less than a co-leader of this Celtics squad.

The Desire to Lead

It's no secret that Brown has been hungry for a larger role, and perhaps rightfully so. Back in March, Brown liked a tweet that boldly claimed, “If Jaylen were the number-one option in Boston, he’d average 30 points per game and be in MVP discussions.” This wasn’t just a fluke social media activity—Brown’s liking of that tweet was a signal of his desire for recognition and responsibility.

Despite Tatum’s standing as the Celtics’ marquee star, Brown’s exceptional performance in the playoffs makes it harder to deny that he is every bit the leader that Tatum is, if not more so. Brown may not say it openly, but his actions speak volumes. This is a man ready to shoulder the responsibilities of being the go-to guy, and he’s building a strong case for himself with every passing season.

Summer Snub: U.S. Men’s Basketball Team Drama

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Brown this summer. His MVP accolades should have made him a shoo-in for the U.S. Men’s Basketball team competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yet, despite his impressive resume, Brown found himself snubbed by the team, a slight that did not sit well with him.

One moment that particularly enraged Brown occurred when Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the team, and instead of calling up Brown as his replacement, Team USA selected his Celtics teammate Derrick White. For Brown, who had just been the Finals MVP, this was a slap in the face. It's one thing to not be chosen over Tatum or a veteran like Jrue Holiday, but being overlooked in favor of White—who is arguably the fourth-most important player on the Celtics—was a direct hit to Brown’s ego.

Publicly, Brown expressed his frustration, even taking to social media to call out Nike for allegedly influencing Team USA’s decision. He questioned the integrity of the selection process, going as far as accusing Nike of pulling the strings behind the scenes. This public spat only added fuel to the fire of what had already become a contentious issue.

Team USA's general manager, Grant Hill, tried to put out the flames by insisting that Brown’s omission was purely a basketball decision. He even went so far as to extend an olive branch by offering Brown a spot on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic team. However, Brown’s response to this invitation was silence. It seems that the damage was already done, and the 27-year-old star is now focused on leading the Celtics to even greater heights rather than seeking redemption on the international stage.

Celtics on Top: Back-to-Back Titles?

Despite the personal frustrations of being snubbed by Team USA, Brown has every reason to be excited about the Celtics’ future. This summer, Boston won the NBA championship with relative ease, and their core remains intact, primed for another title run. The pieces are in place for not just one more championship, but perhaps two or three. With Brown and Tatum leading the way, the Celtics could be entering a new golden era, and Jaylen Brown’s ascent might be the key to unlocking this dynasty.

But just because the Celtics are stacked with talent doesn’t mean they are without challenges. A potential threat looms on the horizon, not from any rival team but from within the organization itself. Internal strife within the Celtics' ownership group could have long-term consequences for the stability of the franchise.

Ownership Dispute: A Brewing Storm?

The Celtics’ ownership situation has become increasingly complex, with Irving Grousbeck—the actual decision-maker who holds 20% of the team—clashing with his son, Wyc Grousbeck, who holds only 3% of the franchise. Irving, reportedly unhappy with the team’s profitability, has expressed a desire to sell his stake. Wyc, on the other hand, is committed to running the Celtics at all costs, believing the franchise is on the cusp of a historic era. For now, Wyc has agreed to his father’s decision to sell, with a plan to complete the sale by 2028.

This dispute might seem like a distant issue, but the seeds of instability have already been planted. In professional sports, ownership drama often trickles down to the locker room, affecting player morale and team chemistry. While the Celtics have a few years of stability left, there’s no telling how this internal conflict will affect the team in the long term.

Jaylen Brown’s Next Steps

For Brown, this offseason has been full of ups and downs. On the one hand, he cemented himself as a legitimate Finals MVP, quieting any doubters who questioned his ability to lead a championship team. On the other hand, the rejection from Team USA stung deeply, leaving him with a sense of unfinished business on the international stage.

But Brown is not the type of player to dwell on the past. The coming years offer him a golden opportunity to cement his legacy in Boston. The Celtics are poised to make a deep playoff run for years to come, and Brown, now in the prime of his career, can solidify himself as the heart and soul of this team. While Jayson Tatum might still carry the title of the Celtics’ “face,” Brown’s relentless work ethic and on-court performance may soon challenge that perception.

As Boston gears up for what could be multiple championships, it’s clear that Brown has fully embraced his role as a leader. With his growing influence both on and off the court, the Celtics have all the tools they need to dominate the NBA for years to come.

Brown’s physical and mental transformation mirrors that of a player hungry to be recognized as more than just a sidekick. His story is far from over, and if he continues to rise, Boston may soon be known as Jaylen Brown’s team—not Tatum’s.