Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
— So what does Brown work on? A lot of things, of course, but Johnson said, “Footwork is the basic that I’m really focused on.”
“For a kid like Jaylen, it’s footwork,” Johnson said. “Balance. His ability to play off the catch. His ability to get into an attack position and score efficiently off of one and two dribbles. You don’t get a bunch of dribbles in the NBA. I also feel like Jaylen has an opportunity to be able to have a deadly mid-post game. Like other big guards — right now Jimmy (Butler) is really deadly on his mid-post game.”
MassLive: Jaylen Brown’s trainer believes Boston Celtics rookie could develop ‘deadly’ mid-post game
For those who have not been following along all summer, Jaylen Brown has been working out with Jimmy Butler, and sharing the experiences on his social media outlets. We don’t know how this kid is going to turn out, but if he doesn’t pan out as an NBA player it won’t be because he didn’t work hard enough.
Summer league isn’t the greatest indicator of where a player is, but we did pick up a few things on Brown so far. He’s a supremely gifted athlete who can get by for a bit on those gifts alone. If he faces a defender who is caught leaning the wrong way or gambles for a steal, Brown can make him pay dearly for it.
However many minutes Brown gets this season will be filled with potential highlight dunks.
He’s also got plenty to work on and the footwork is the perfect place for him to start. Good footwork creates good shots. It creates separation from a defender and can be the difference between a clean look at the basket and a blocked shot. And it can also mean a few more percentage points on his jumper, which he currently needs.
Just look at what Guerschon Yabusele did this summer. We delighted at the sight of the “dancing bear” pirouetting through the lane and getting himself good looks. His footwork is so good that it gets him places a guy that size shouldn’t be.
I have confidence in Brown getting to where he needs to be. All I’ve seen this summer is a kid with a good attitude and work ethic out there working his ass off to become a good NBA player. With a few years of working like this and Brad Stevens working with him, he’s got a really good shot at reaching his full potential.
The rest of the links:
Globe: Doc and the Clippers have their hands full
ESPN Boston: “Gator boys” make their way back to the swamp
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