NBA Legend Tracy McGrady Praises Boston Celtics Star Jaylen Brown

McGrady calls Brown an MVP candidate despite Celtics' roster turnover

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NBA legend Tracy McGrady spoke highly of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, calling him an MVP candidate despite the Celtics losing key players like Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis. Brown is averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game this season, leading the Celtics to a 35-19 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

Jaylen Brown's impressive individual performance and the Celtics' continued success despite roster turnover highlights his value as one of the NBA's elite two-way players. McGrady's praise from a legendary player adds to the growing recognition of Brown as a true superstar in the league.

The details

Despite losing several key players, Brown has kept the Celtics among the Eastern Conference elite, averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range. The Celtics are currently the second seed in the East with a 35-19 record.

  • Jaylen Brown is currently in the middle of his 10th NBA season, all with the Boston Celtics.
  • The Celtics are coming off a season where they lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
  • The Celtics will resume action after the All-Star break on Thursday, February 23, 2026, when they visit the Golden State Warriors.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A 10-year veteran with the Boston Celtics, Brown is currently averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while leading the Celtics to the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Tracy McGrady

A former NBA superstar and Hall of Famer, McGrady spoke highly of Jaylen Brown's performance this season, calling him an MVP candidate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What he had to go through losing Jrue Holiday, losing Al Horford, Porzingis, Jayson Tatum is out and then you bring in a new cast of guys in and try to get them acclimated with everything you guys are doing. You're playing both sides of the ball, you're averaging 28, 29 points. Third in the Eastern Conference.”

— Tracy McGrady, NBA Legend (Celtics on CLNS)

What’s next

The Celtics will resume action after the All-Star break on Thursday, February 23, 2026, when they visit the Golden State Warriors.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's impressive individual performance and the Celtics' continued success despite roster turnover highlights his value as one of the NBA's elite two-way players. McGrady's praise from a legendary player adds to the growing recognition of Brown as a true superstar in the league.