Jayson Tatum (Image source: X/Legion Hoops)

The Boston Celtics have established a tradition of excellence, frequently making appearances in the NBA Finals. As the Dallas Mavericks prepared to face off against the Celtics in Game 2, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd took a moment to acknowledge the impact of Celtics star Jaylen Brown in shaping the team’s storied history.

During a press conference on Saturday, Kidd was asked about the challenge of going up against Jaylen Brown. He didn’t hold back in praising Brown’s versatility and endorsing him as the Celtics best player.

“He did everything. And does what the best player does. He plays both sides [defense and offense] at a higher rate, and he’s been doing that the whole playoffs. The ECF MVP,” Kidd said.

The Mavs experienced firsthand the impact of Brown’s exceptional play in Game 1. Despite their best efforts, Brown led the Celtics with 22 points during Thursday’s 107-89 victory over the Mavericks.

Skip Bayless Expresses Frustration Over Jason Kidd’s Statement

Jaylen Brown’s athleticism and prowess were on full display during the Eastern Conference Finals, earning him the prestigious title of ECF MVP. Nevertheless, Jason Kidd‘s recent endorsement of Brown as the best player on the Celtics’ current roster that sparked controversy and frustration among sports analyst Skip Bayless.

Bayless expressed his discontent on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the timing of Kidd’s praise for Brown.

“Jason Kidd said today what I’ve been saying for three years on Undisputed: Jaylen Brown is Boston’s best player. Why did Kidd say that now? To put more pressure on JB? To motivate Luka vs JB? To make JT press even more? Not sure. This is a high-risk maybe desperate statement,” Bayless wrote.

Brown’s playmaking abilities will again be crucial to their success as the Celtics gear up for Game 2 of the NBA Finals. With a spirited team effort, the Celtics lead the NBA Finals series 1-0 and are vying to end their championship drought.