C's players push for Jaylen Brown to replace Harden in All-Star Game

Share

Another spot in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game is up for grabs. Will Jaylen Brown get it?

Brown is among the potential Eastern Conference replacement options for new Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden, who won't participate in next Sunday's All-Star Game as he rehabs from a hamstring injury.

While Brown may face long odds, several current and former Celtics players were quick to support the 25-year-old's candidacy on social media.

Forsberg's Mailbag: Does a buyout addition really make sense for C's?

Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum and forward Grant Williams both cast their vote for Brown on Twitter, while former C's big man Kendrick Perkins weighed in as well.

Unsurprisingly, the Celtics' team account is on board too.

Brown has an impressive resume: He's averaging 23.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, boasts the team's best defensive rating and made last year's All-Star squad.

It was hard to envision the Celtics having two All-Stars while they were hovering around .500, but after an eight-game win streak that's vaulted them into thick of the East playoff race, you could make the case Brown is deserving.

That said, there's a ton of talent in the East, and names like Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen and Toronto Raptors wing Pascal Siakam may get consideration ahead of Brown. (The All-Star Game is in Cleveland, so Allen could play in front of his home crowd if selected.)

Missing out on a second All-Star Game would be a tough blow for Brown, but judging by the tweet he sent when he was left off the initial roster, that snub could fuel him during Boston's stretch run.

The Celtics may not mind if Brown misses the cut, either, as they'd avoid having to pay him a $1.4 million bonus for making the All-Star roster.

Contact Us