Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Mavericks' Jason Kidd has bold pick for Celtics' best player

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jun 8, 2024 2:11 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd had a fairly bold take on who he views as the Boston Celtics’ best player.

Kidd was asked Saturday what makes facing Jaylen Brown so difficult. The Dallas coach was effusive with his praise for Brown and immediately labeled him as the team’s best player.

Jason Kidd on Jaylen Brown, casually lighting Boston sports radio on fire for the next 24 hours: “Jaylen’s their best player. Looking at what he does defensively, he picked up Luka full court, got to the free throw line, did everything, and that’s what your best player does.”

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 8, 2024

“Jaylen’s their best player,” Kidd told reporters. “Looking at what he does defensively, he picked up Luka (Doncic) full court, got to the free throw line, did everything, and that’s what your best player does.”

Those keen on arguing over whether Brown or Jayson Tatum is more valuable to the Celtics will have fun with this one. That debate, particularly the one about Brown, has even started media feuds and has been the topic of endless conversation.

Regardless, it’s pretty easy to see why Kidd respects Brown so much. If he wasn’t already a star, Brown is certainly having a breakout postseason, claiming Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors in spite of some previous high-profile snubs. That sort of recognition might come to him next season, especially if he is instrumental in a Celtics title.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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