BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics after the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the 2018 NBA Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)We’re in a new era of the NBA. Player mobility is the norm, as guys are willing to go all over the league in search of the best chance at winning.
A lot of fans don’t like it. They cry out for the days when players wanted to stay where they were and beat the best, rather than teaming up with them or avoiding them.
Well, Boston Celtics rising star Jaylen Brown might be a bit of a throwback to that era, at least based off his thoughts on LeBron James leaving the East.
When asked today about James’ decision to bolt for Los Angeles, Brown expressed disappointment. He wanted King James to stay in the East so the Celtics would have to prove themselves by going through him.
Jaylen Brown on LeBron leaving East: l wanted him to stay so we could try to go through him.
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) July 12, 2018
Boston has been unable to beat the Cavs when it counts the last two years. Cleveland has eliminated them in the Eastern Conference Finals two seasons in a row.
With James out of the East, Boston becomes the de facto favorite. The Celtics have the most talent in the conference and an impressive amount of depth as well.
We can’t help but admire Brown’s self-confidence and competitive nature though.
He’ll have to settle for beating LeBron in the NBA Finals at some point, though it will probably be two or three years until the Lakers are ready to dethrone Golden State.
