Nikola Jokic Endorses Jaylen Brown's MVP Candidacy Boldly

Three-time MVP praises Celtics star's two-way impact and leadership in Tatum's absence

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, has offered strong praise for Jaylen Brown's MVP candidacy this season. Jokic highlighted Brown's comprehensive impact on both ends of the floor, noting his scoring prowess and elite defensive abilities. Jokic also recognized Brown's leadership in carrying the Celtics without his usual co-star Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a torn Achilles injury.

Why it matters

Jokic's endorsement carries significant weight, coming from a player who has earned the league's most prestigious individual honors. This recognition validates the ongoing MVP discussion surrounding Jaylen Brown, whose consistent two-way excellence has sustained the Celtics' success in the tough Eastern Conference despite Tatum's absence.

The details

Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, ranking among the NBA's elite scorers. Despite defenses focusing heavily on containing him, Brown maintains an impressive 49.1 percent shooting efficiency. His ability to combine scoring prowess with suffocating defense on opposing wings aligns perfectly with Jokic's description of his all-around impact.

  • Jaylen Brown earned his first All-Star starting position this season.
  • Jayson Tatum sustained a torn Achilles injury during last year's playoffs and is still recovering.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP who has earned the league's most prestigious individual honors.

Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics' primary offensive force this season, leading the team in the absence of his usual co-star Jayson Tatum.

Jayson Tatum

Jaylen Brown's teammate on the Boston Celtics, who is recovering from a torn Achilles injury sustained during last year's playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“He's playing at a high level, scoring the ball. He's such a good defensive player too.”

— Nikola Jokic (theconwaybulletin.com)

“He doesn't have his partner-in-crime, and he's still proving that he can lead the team.”

— Nikola Jokic (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Those conversations have been since we got drafted pretty much. In terms of winning me and him have done that at a very high level for a very long time. So I'm looking forward to that.”

— Jaylen Brown (theconwaybulletin.com)

“In terms of what I've seen, he looks pretty damn good.”

— Jaylen Brown (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

With the All-Star Game providing a prominent national platform, Jaylen Brown now has an opportunity to further showcase the skills that have earned him recognition among the NBA's best. As Jayson Tatum's return looms, the Celtics' roster looks poised to strengthen, potentially setting the stage for a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's perspective, backed by three MVP awards, adds significant credibility to the conversation surrounding Jaylen Brown's candidacy for the league's top individual honor. Brown's consistent two-way excellence has sustained Boston's success through the first half of the season, even without one of their key stars, and Jokic's endorsement amplifies expectations for the remainder of the season.