Jaylen Brown Emerges as MVP Contender Amid Celtics Adversity

Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady Believes Brown's Leadership and Impact Set Him Apart

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Boston Celtics are having a strong season, and while many eyes are on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama in the MVP conversation, a compelling case is being made for Jaylen Brown. Hall of Fame forward Tracy McGrady has publicly endorsed Brown as his current MVP choice, sparking debate and highlighting the unique set of circumstances surrounding the Celtics star's performance.

Why it matters

McGrady's reasoning centers on the adversity Brown has overcome this season. Unlike other top contenders who have largely maintained stable rosters, Brown has navigated significant team turnover, with key players like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and even Jayson Tatum missing substantial time due to injury or trade. Despite these challenges, the Celtics remain a top team in the Eastern Conference, currently second in the standings.

The details

Brown is currently averaging 28-29 points per game while contributing across the board. He's a two-way player, impacting the game on both offense and defense. His current averages include a career-best 7.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, along with 1.0 steal. This all-around contribution, coupled with the team's continued success despite key absences, is what sets him apart in McGrady's eyes.

  • The Boston Celtics are having a strong season in 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who is making a strong case for the NBA MVP award this season.

Tracy McGrady

A Hall of Fame forward who has publicly endorsed Jaylen Brown as his current MVP choice.

Jrue Holiday

A key player for the Boston Celtics who has missed substantial time due to injury or trade this season.

Al Horford

A key player for the Boston Celtics who has missed substantial time due to injury or trade this season.

Kristaps Porzingis

A key player for the Boston Celtics who has missed substantial time due to injury or trade this season.

Jayson Tatum

A key player for the Boston Celtics who has missed substantial time due to injury or trade this season.

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What they’re saying

“When I look around the NBA, and for me, the criteria is: How productive are you for your team? How impactful are you to your team? The leadership that you're providing. What are you up against, against the other MVPs?”

— Tracy McGrady, Hall of Fame forward (All-Star Week proceedings)

What’s next

The MVP race is far from over, and the contributions of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and others cannot be discounted. However, Tracy McGrady's perspective offers a fresh lens through which to evaluate the candidates and appreciate the unique challenges Jaylen Brown has overcome this season.

The takeaway

McGrady's vocal support for Brown raises an important question: is the MVP award evolving to prioritize contextual impact over raw statistics? While statistical dominance remains crucial, the ability to elevate a team through adversity may become an increasingly important factor in the voting process.