Nov 25, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after making the basket and being fouled by LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) (not pictured) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

'He’s Not at That Level' – Boston Celtics Analyst Doubts Jaylen Brown’s Ability to Lead the Team to a Top 6 Finish Next Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:10 AM ET

The Boston Celtics will rely heavily on Jaylen Brown if they are going to be competitive next season, and long-time beat writer Bob Ryan offered a blunt take on Brown’s ability to lead the team.

Speaking on CLNS Media Boston Sports Network, Ryan isn’t expecting much from Brown, echoing Bob Cousy’s thoughts last week about the team potentially entering a rebuilding phase.

“I like him, he’s fine. He’s a wonderful player. But I agree, there’s a level of hierarchy in all sports. He’s at the next level, the very good level,” Ryan explained about Brown.

Nov 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

“But he’s not at that level, I don’t think. Just a chance to prove everybody wrong. That’s no problem… But they’re going to be lucky in that 7–8 mix,” he added.

Boston Celtics insider predicts 10-man rotation this upcoming season

Because the Boston Celtics are not as strong as they were following the moves they’ve made this offseason , many expect them to have a gap year this upcoming 2025-26 season. According to Mass Live’s Brian Robb, almost every player will get the opportunity to prove their worth to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla this year.

May 11, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter of game three of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

“Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are the obvious ones to keep their spots. Give me Payton Pritchard in the backcourt alongside White…If he’s starting small with one big, Sam Hauser is probably your other forward, and a strong rebounding big like Neemias Queta is a likely option at center,” Robb stated in his mailbag article.

“If Mazzulla opts for double bigs, Chris Boucher could hypothetically play some power forward as well with his range. Hauser and Queta would be my bet for now, barring a wildcard emerging in training camp (Josh Minott?). For 10-man rotation, give me the starters, Simons, Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, and one of Josh Minott/Jordan Walsh,” he added.