Celtics Legend Takes Clear Stance Between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown

Celtics Legend Takes Clear Stance Between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Boston Celtics have thrived with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as their cornerstone duo, leading the franchise to its 18th NBA championship in 2024. Selected as lottery picks in their respective draft classes, both stars have thrived playing off each other – Tatum has been the Celtics’ leading offensive weapon while Brown’s two-way play made the team one of the NBA’s most dominant in recent memory.

However, Tatum’s ruptured right Achilles tendon, suffered during the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, has sidelined him for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. With Tatum out, Brown faces the daunting task of leading a depleted roster to title contention.

Bob Cousy Picks Jayson Tatum Over Jaylen Brown

Over the years, both Tatum and Brown have often been compared, and debates about who should be the team’s first option continues to make rounds on social media. However, Celtics legend Bob Cousy appears to have a clear choice between the two stars.

Ahead of his 97th birthday on Saturday, the six-time NBA champion who won five consecutive titles from 1959 to 1963, shared his candid perspective on the Celtics’ current stars in an interview with The Boston Globe. When asked if Brown would be able to lead the team as the number one guy, Cousy expressed skepticism about his ability to do so without Tatum:

“In my judgment, Jaylen is not quite at the superstar level that Tatum is at. Can he carry the load by himself? I see a major rebuilding effort here. Jaylen certainly won’t bring them to the promised land.”

Celtics legend Bob Cousy on Jaylen Brown with Jayson Tatum out:

“In my judgment, Jaylen is not quite at the superstar level Tatum is. Can he carry the load by himself? I see a major rebuilding effort coming.”

(via @BostonGlobe) pic.twitter.com/rvrtKLwa90

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 9, 2025

Cousy, a Hall of Famer and crucial figure in establishing the National Basketball Players Association in the 50s, also discussed Derrick White’s role on the Celtics, noting that while he is one of Boston’s most consistent performers, he doesn’t yet have what it takes to carry the team.

“White’s a good player and he’ll produce and he’ll be consistent, but his game doesn’t lend itself to carrying a team.”

How Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Compare Statistically

Tatum was the Celtics’ leading scorer during the 2024-25, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, earning All-NBA First Team honors for the fourth straight year. Brown, on the other hand, finished the season with 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, and played only 63 games due to injuries.

Over the course of their careers, Tatum has earned six All-Star nods to Brown’s four and five All-NBA honors to Brown’s one. However, Brown won the 2024 Finals MVP ahead of his superstar teammate while Tatum has the 2023 NBA All-Star MVP honor to his name.

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Related: Calls Mount for Celtics to Make Jayson Tatum Decision After New Report

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.