Celtics Rookie Predicts Jaylen Brown as NBA MVP

Rookie Hugo Gonzalez believes Brown deserves the award this season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic action on the court.Celtics star Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber season has earned the praise of his rookie teammate Hugo Gonzalez.Boston Today

Rookie Boston Celtics player Hugo Gonzalez has voiced his belief that teammate Jaylen Brown should be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player this season. Gonzalez praised Brown's leadership, work ethic, and ability to make those around him better, saying the Cal alum has taken his game to new heights and deserves the prestigious award.

Why it matters

Jaylen Brown has emerged as one of the NBA's brightest young stars, leading the Celtics to another strong season. Having the endorsement of a rookie teammate like Gonzalez, who has closely observed Brown's impact both on and off the court, adds weight to Brown's MVP case as the regular season winds down.

The details

In a recent podcast appearance, Gonzalez expressed his belief that Brown should be named MVP, citing the veteran's leadership, professionalism, and willingness to help his younger teammates improve. Gonzalez, a Madrid native, said Brown has been a mentor to him since joining the Celtics, trying to guide him in the same way Brown felt guided as a rookie.

  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season is nearing its conclusion.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who has emerged as an MVP candidate this season.

Hugo Gonzalez

A rookie player for the Boston Celtics who believes Brown deserves to win the NBA MVP award.

Tracy McGrady

A former NBA star who has become a mentor to Jaylen Brown in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“As a person, he's been a leader since the first day, and this year he's taken another leap, right?”

— Hugo Gonzalez, Celtics Rookie

“I'm not going to say a leap, I'm going to say a further leap in what is his game, and the truth is he deserves it, because he works incredibly hard, he's a super professional guy, and he's also someone who wants to make everyone around him better.”

— Hugo Gonzalez, Celtics Rookie

“He helps me a lot (...). In the end, he feels like he sees in me what he thinks he was (as a rookie). So he tries to help me in every way he is able to, and I'm very grateful, because he's an amazing player.”

— Hugo Gonzalez, Celtics Rookie

“He's going to be MVP.”

— Hugo Gonzalez, Celtics Rookie

What’s next

As the NBA regular season winds down, the MVP race will intensify, with Jaylen Brown's candidacy gaining momentum thanks to the endorsement of his rookie teammate Hugo Gonzalez.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's leadership, work ethic, and ability to elevate his teammates have made a strong impression on Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez, who believes Brown deserves to be named NBA MVP this season. This endorsement from a young player who has closely observed Brown's impact adds weight to the case for Brown to win the prestigious award.