Despite Paul George's Success, Jaylen Brown Trade Looks Like a Steal for 76ers

It’s official. It seems the Philadelphia 76ers' trade for Jaylen Brown is looking like an absolute steal. Comparing the Paul George-Brown trade may seem silly at such an early time, but look no further than what Brown has done over the course of the last four games.

Brown has averaged 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. In each of those four games he has scored 20 or more points. He’s played a high volume of minutes, averaging 30 a night, and that may be the biggest piece to all of this. Brown was under heavy criticism for how he can only work when he has the ball; the thing about this offense is that it caters to his style of play. The 76ers are at their best when they are out in transition or setting up teammates with open shots.

Brown has been extremely efficient during this stretch, and that may be one of the best statistics of all. Brown is shooting over 53 percent from the field and 41 percent from the three-point line. 

The important part about Brown's playstyle is that he can get hot at a moment's notice. Even without the ball, Brown has started to lean into moving without the ball and cutting to the basket. His biggest attribute over these last four games is his tough shot-making at crucial times that the team needs. There will be times when Tyrese Maxey gets doubled and has to give up the ball; that’s where Brown comes in. He's been very effective in the fourth quarter, and that’s what this team brought him in for.

Offensively, Brown has adapted, and it’s led to him being trusted down the stretch. That trust may have started on the defensive side rather than what he’s done when he’s had the ball in his hands. His defensive intensity is what put them back in the win column against the Chicago Bulls. There were numerous defensive stops by Brown in that Bulls matchup, including a key steal, and he helped thwart a Bulls comeback. Brown has been talked about as the 76ers' leader on defense and it’s those kinds of plays that prove exactly that. 

What has been a real bright spot is just how often Brown finds himself around the rim. Those seven rebounds can come from anywhere, and each one of them is needed. As rebounding remains a concern, seeing Brown get into the paint to secure a rebound speaks volumes to the number of ways he’s willing to help the team. 

Brown has been a breath of fresh air these last four games. The hope is that it continues and leads to more victories for Philadelphia.