Celtics swerve potential catastrophe to begin new season

Jaylen Brown has a big role to play for the Celtics

With Tatum sidelined and unlikely to be back to his All-NBA best at any point in the upcoming season, Brown is expected to step into a leading role for Boston. Throughout his career, Brown has been viewed as one of the NBA's elite wings, but he's often considered an ideal secondary star.

Brown can change that narrative. Mazzulla will likely entrust him with far more ball-handling responsibilities, including initiating the offense for himself and others. After all, Brown is a supermax player and is finally being given the opportunity to prove that he can lead a roster, both offensively and defensively. 

The most important thing for Brown is that he can stay healthy. He's dealt with multiple knee issues in recent years, including offseason meniscus surgery in the summer. That's why Celtics fans were likely concerned when he clutched his leg against the Raptors. 

Fortunately for Boston, Brown appears to be OK. With a week until the Celtics' next game, he should be ready to go. Now, it will be up to Mazzulla and the coaching staff to ensure his minutes are managed so that he can be at his best throughout the season, especially if he will be relied upon to lead the franchise during the postseason, too.