Jaylen Brown is emerging as a serious contender for the NBA MVP award this season, raising questions about his standing relative to teammate Jayson Tatum. Analysts Chris Canty and Evan Cohen argue that if Brown secures the MVP, he could surpass Tatum as the leading superstar of the Boston Celtics.
Brown has long been seen as the secondary star behind Tatum, but his dominant performance in the 2025-26 season, particularly with Tatum sidelined, has shifted perceptions and sparked debates about his career trajectory.
Experts Discuss the Implications of an MVP Win for Brown’s Legacy
During ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike podcast, the topic of whether Brown’s potential MVP award would elevate his career above Tatum’s was extensively discussed. Brown’s value was underscored by how the Celtics looked like contenders under his leadership, even in Tatum’s absence.
Chris Canty was clear on his stance, stating,
“Yes, if you’re an MVP and a Finals MVP, you’ve got a ring, yes,”
highlighting the importance of such accolades in defining a player’s legacy.
Michelle Smallmon emphasized Tatum’s Olympic gold medal, noting that Brown was not part of the latest USA Men’s Basketball team. Evan Cohen questioned Brown’s omission from the Olympic squad, suggesting it may have been influenced by external factors such as brand affiliations rather than his ability. He further pointed out Tatum’s limited role during the Olympics.
To reinforce his point, Cohen stated,
“If Jaylen Brown wins the MVP, it is clear his NBA career has been better than that of Jayson Tatum’s,”
igniting strong opinions about their comparative careers.
Statistical Performance Highlights Brown’s Breakout Season
Brown’s individual numbers this season emphasize why he is under serious MVP consideration. Through 51 games, he is averaging career highs with 29.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. These figures surpass his previous bests of 26.6 points and 6.9 rebounds achieved in the 2022-23 season, which was also the only year he earned All-NBA honors (Second Team).
On the other hand, Tatum has a more decorated resume so far, with five All-NBA selections, including consistent recognition on the First Team from the 2021-22 season to last year, and an earlier Third Team nod in 2019-20.
Brown’s Finals MVP Award Adds Weight to His Argument
One major highlight in Brown’s career is his 2024 NBA Finals MVP award. Although his statistical output was close to Tatum’s, Brown’s defensive impact and consistent performance throughout the series helped secure this prestigious honor.
This distinction often holds significant value in debates about player legacies, as it reflects contributions during the highest pressure moments of the season.
Future Prospects Suggest Both Players Will Continue to Evolve
Despite the intense discussion over who currently leads in career achievements, both Brown and Tatum remain young with many potential years ahead. They are each expected to add more accolades, awards, and possibly championships to their resumes.
Given their ongoing development and contributions to the Celtics, the final verdict on who will have the better career is still undetermined, keeping the NBA community closely watching their progress.
Chris Canty says Jaylen Brown’s career is officially better than Jayson Tatum’s if he wins MVP this season
(🎥 @UnSportsESPN )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 23, 2026
