Jaylen Brown a power forward for Team USA? Celtics star explains why it could work

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If we see Jaylen Brown playing more power forward for the Boston Celtics during the 2019-20 NBA season, it could be because he excelled in that role for USA Basketball this summer.

Brown is one of four Celtics players playing for Team USA during its FIBA World Cup training camp, and when asked Monday about his role with the team, he explained why playing power forward (the four) could be a fit.

"Just being a utility guy, being aggressive," Brown told reporters. "Of course, being aggressive and attacking, but also being a physical guy, being the guy that’s getting the rebounds, being the guy that’s diving on the floors for loose balls, being a guy that’s being physical, pushing guys around. But also, being aggressive. I feel like I can play the four, guard the fours with my strength and versatility, and it will be tough for a four to guard me. So, I’m just playing fast, playing hard, being physical, being smart, being a utility guy. Just get in where you fit."

Brown was drafted as a small forward, but he's played mostly shooting guard for the Celtics after they acquired Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum before the 2017-18 season. The 21-year-old wing is 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, and he's one of the most athletic players in the league. He came into the league with an NBA body, and he's only gotten stronger in his three pro seasons.

The Celtics' roster, and the frontcourt in particular, has undergone quite a few changes since the 2018-19 season ended. Brown has the strength to post up smaller defenders and the quickness needed to blow by larger defenders, and this versatility should allow him to excel at power forward for the Celtics if head coach Brad Stevens is willing to try it out. Tatum and Hayward also could see increased time at power forward next season, especially when the Celtics go to small-ball lineups. 

Next season is a very important one for Brown. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the deadline for the Celtics and Brown to agree on a rookie extension is Oct. 21. If the two sides don't come to an agreement by that date, he'll be a restricted free agent after the 2019-20 campaign. Succeeding as a power forward and showing another side of his versatility would only help Brown as he builds a case for the first major contract of his career, whether it comes from the Celtics or another team.

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