What’s up with JB?

[GreenlyGreeny]

I still think it’s fair to point out that he’s often looked like our weakest starter recently. He’s clearly behind Tatum. I think he’s behind Smart because elite defense and orchestrating an offense matter. I have him behind Rob because elite defense, efficiency and not turning the ball over matter. He’s probably been better than Al, but Al has looked great as of late and has been playing elite D and doing all the little things.

If you constructed a draft where a team could pick any Celtic other than Tatum, I think all 31 teams would pick Brown, hands down.  It is a bit concerning that Brown plateaued or even took a modest step back this season but I feel like he will still get even better, he will be better for the playoffs and he will be better next season.

That could be a good topic. I personally think a handful may take Timelord instead. He’s made a massive difference to our team this year and I could not be happier to see him healthy and successful.

[trickybilly]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

[smokeablount]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

[Goldstar88]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

Jaylen is clearly the worst defender in the starting lineup and he’s not a bad defender.

1) Smart
2) Timelord
3) Tatum
4) Horford
5) Brown

Tatum is the most underrated defender on the team. He can guard 1-4.

[nickagneta]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

Jaylen is clearly the worst defender in the starting lineup and he’s not a bad defender.

1) Smart
2) Timelord
3) Tatum
4) Horford
5) Brown

Tatum is the most underrated defender on the team. He can guard 1-4.

I think there is a clear delineation with Smart and Timelord and the rest but if you asked me the order of the next three, I would call it a three way draw. They each have strengths and weaknesses and I think their strengths make up for the others weaknesses.

1. Smart
2. Timelord
3. Horford and Brown and Tatum.

[Goldstar88]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

Jaylen is clearly the worst defender in the starting lineup and he’s not a bad defender.

1) Smart
2) Timelord
3) Tatum
4) Horford
5) Brown

Tatum is the most underrated defender on the team. He can guard 1-4.

I think there is a clear delineation with Smart and Timelord and the rest but if you asked me the order of the next three, I would call it a three way draw. They each have strengths and weaknesses and I think their strengths make up for the others weaknesses.

1. Smart
2. Timelord
3. Horford and Brown and Tatum.

Disagree. Tatum is closer to Smart and Timelord in defensive ability than he is to Horford or Brown. His added strength has helped him on both ends of the court and it’s noticeable.

[lrybrd]

I agree.  I realize the potential in JB.  But his body language is awful.  I hate how he saunters up the floor when things don’t go his way.  His basketball iq is lacking.  I would move him for a certified second scorer if the right guy becomes available.  Feel like he is just trying to get  his numbers now whenever JT is not on the floor. 

[footey]

Brown was set to have a monster game vs the Hawks when he sprained his ankle.  Tatum has since taken off, and Brown is transitioning his way back.  He will be fine.  He is our second best player, and there will be nights to come when he will be our best.

Stop worrying about JB.

[Csfan1984]

I've been disappointed in his defense this year and turnovers that's about it. Feel he can get that back with health and time.

[gouki88]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

Jaylen is clearly the worst defender in the starting lineup and he’s not a bad defender.

1) Smart
2) Timelord
3) Tatum
4) Horford
5) Brown

Tatum is the most underrated defender on the team. He can guard 1-4.

I think there is a clear delineation with Smart and Timelord and the rest but if you asked me the order of the next three, I would call it a three way draw. They each have strengths and weaknesses and I think their strengths make up for the others weaknesses.

1. Smart
2. Timelord
3. Horford and Brown and Tatum.

Disagree. Tatum is closer to Smart and Timelord in defensive ability than he is to Horford or Brown. His added strength has helped him on both ends of the court and it’s noticeable.

Horford is a clear tier above the Jays. He is perhaps the best switch defender in the entire NBA this season.

[RodyTur10]

Brown is a good post defender. Very handy when opposing strong/long wings.
But overall I agree he's our worst defender in our starting line-up, but that says a lot about the capability of our other starters.

[Goldstar88]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

Jaylen is clearly the worst defender in the starting lineup and he’s not a bad defender.

1) Smart
2) Timelord
3) Tatum
4) Horford
5) Brown

Tatum is the most underrated defender on the team. He can guard 1-4.

I think there is a clear delineation with Smart and Timelord and the rest but if you asked me the order of the next three, I would call it a three way draw. They each have strengths and weaknesses and I think their strengths make up for the others weaknesses.

1. Smart
2. Timelord
3. Horford and Brown and Tatum.

Disagree. Tatum is closer to Smart and Timelord in defensive ability than he is to Horford or Brown. His added strength has helped him on both ends of the court and it’s noticeable.

Horford is a clear tier above the Jays. He is perhaps the best switch defender in the entire NBA this season.

Horford has been very good, however, I just think that Tatums ability to guard 4 positions make him at least as valuable, if not more.

[smokeablount]

What's encouraging for me is that Jaylen seems to have finally accepted that Tatum is the offensive alpha now.

Disagree that he is the "worst defender" in our starting 5. He is a plus plus on-ball defender who has reduced his foul rate this year, and causes many peripheral problems once the ball moves into the paint, better than Tatum.

He has also struggled with several injury niggles this year.

Who do you think is the worst defender in our starting 5 then?

Jaylen is clearly the worst defender in the starting lineup and he’s not a bad defender.

1) Smart
2) Timelord
3) Tatum
4) Horford
5) Brown

Tatum is the most underrated defender on the team. He can guard 1-4.

I think there is a clear delineation with Smart and Timelord and the rest but if you asked me the order of the next three, I would call it a three way draw. They each have strengths and weaknesses and I think their strengths make up for the others weaknesses.

1. Smart
2. Timelord
3. Horford and Brown and Tatum.

Disagree. Tatum is closer to Smart and Timelord in defensive ability than he is to Horford or Brown. His added strength has helped him on both ends of the court and it’s noticeable.

Horford is a clear tier above the Jays. He is perhaps the best switch defender in the entire NBA this season.

Horford has been very good, however, I just think that Tatums ability to guard 4 positions make him at least as valuable, if not more.

Tatum leads the NBA in I think it’s defense win shares, and Horford has been excellent. I think it’s too close to call. Jaylen’s a very good defender but his team defense is enough to rank him last amongst our starters on his own. And that’s not a knock on Jaylen.

You hear that Jaylen? Prove me wrong today young man.

[RPGenerate]

Celtics defensive ranking:
1. Smart
2. Timelord
3a. Tatum
3b. Horford
4. White
5a. G.Will
5b. Brown

[Goldstar88]

Celtics defensive ranking:
1. Smart
2. Timelord
3a. Tatum
3b. Horford
4. White
5a. G.Will
5b. Brown

I’d still take Brown over White due to Jaylens size, strength and athleticism. I haven’t been blown away with Derrick’s defense, TBH. He gets over powered by bigger/stronger 2’s. Putting Grant above Jaylen is just disrespectful. G-Will is an average defender at best due to his stature and lack of athleticism/lateral quickness.