Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown took to social media to highlight just how impressive his team’s current season has been — comparing the 2025-26 squad directly to last year’s championship-winning group at the All-Star break.
Brown shared an Instagram Story post breaking down the similarities between the two Celtics teams using key metrics: record, playoff seed, offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating. The numbers are strikingly close, despite massive changes to the roster and the absence of Jayson Tatum (recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in May 2025).
Key Context Behind the Comparison
- The Celtics are currently 35-19 (second in the Eastern Conference), very much in line with where they were at the All-Star break last season on their way to the 2024 title.
- Tatum, a six-time All-Star and co-star with Brown, remains sidelined — yet Boston has stayed a legitimate contender.
- The team parted ways with several key pieces from the championship core:
- Traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in June 2025.
- Traded Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks just one day later.
- Lost frontcourt veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency during the 2025 offseason.
Despite those departures and Tatum’s absence, the Celtics have maintained elite production — largely thanks to Brown’s emergence as the clear No. 1 scoring option.
Brown’s Breakout Season in Tatum’s Absence
Brown is stepping up in a massive way:
- Averaging 29.3 points per game — ranking No. 4 in the NBA.
- Career-high 6.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
- Shooting 48.3% from the field and 34.8% from three despite a significantly increased usage and shot volume.
He’s become the primary scorer, closer in tight games, and vocal leader — carrying Boston to wins and keeping them firmly in the top tier of the East.
Latest on Jayson Tatum’s Recovery
While Brown has shouldered the load, hope for Tatum’s return continues to grow. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday that Tatum has begun controlled five-on-five scrimmaging with coaches and has “aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn.” He is now 39 weeks post-injury, and while no firm timeline exists, progress has accelerated in recent weeks.
Even if Tatum doesn’t return this season, Brown’s performance has proven the Celtics can remain a serious threat — and if/when Tatum does come back, the combination could make Boston one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs.
Celtics fans, how impressive has Jaylen Brown’s takeover been this season? Does his leap make you more confident in a deep playoff run — with or without Tatum? When do you think Jayson actually returns — late February, March, or straight into the postseason? Drop your thoughts below — the second half is here, and Boston looks ready!