There's nothing like a good victory lap just a few weeks into an 82-game season! Just as the Philadelphia 76ers can't get overly confident about their 7-1 start, the Boston Celtics can't get carried away with their comparisons for Paul George and Jaylen Brown.
I get it. Both sides want to declare themselves the winners of the trade. Wouldn't it be sweet for the Celtics to get the more productive player AND the draft capital that came with him?
If you're the Sixers, that would feel pretty sour, considering Jaylen Brown was an All-NBA player and an MVP candidate just last year for the Celtics. But trust, the Sixers shouldn't be feeding into any type of propaganda from that side right now for multiple reasons.
Jaylen Brown is more productive than Paul George was
Forget what George brings to the Celtics for a minute. Remember what he didn't bring to the Sixers when he was in Philly. The 76ers' front office paid for a nine-time All-Star, who averaged 23.0 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting 39.7% from three. For the cost of $211 million, the Sixers were getting 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, with 37.5% shooting. Plus he played in fewer than 50% of the Sixers' games over the past two seasons.
In seven games so far, Brown has produced more points (20.6 PPG) while shooting better from three (41.9%). He's coming down with 6.9 rebounds per game, and producing 4.3 assists per game. There isn't necessarily a defensive drop-off either. The Sixers have been one of the top defensive teams throughout the first stretch, and Brown is a big part of that.
Don't forget the LeBron factor
Even if Jaylen Brown and Paul George's production wasn't identical throughout the first stretch of games, and the ex-Celtic was way worse off, the 76ers can't forget about the LeBron factor.
James, by far Philly's best facilitator and most influential presence, more than likely doesn't come to the Sixers without the swing for Brown. Before the swap, the 76ers weren't anywhere near the LeBron sweepstakes. All rumors had him joining the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, or the Miami Heat. The Sixers landed Brown, and everything suddenly changed. Without that deal, the Sixers likely would have run it back with a squad that couldn't come close to getting out of the second round.
One last reminder for everybody
We're two weeks down! The 76ers and the Celtics don't play their final regular season game until April 11. The Sixers and the Celtics haven't even met for the first time (November 10, by the way!).
Both sides can and should certainly feel good about their start. The Sixers top the Eastern Conference with a 7-1 record. The Celtics are 1.5 games behind them at 5-2. George is bought into Boston--Brown is bought into Philly. A lot can happen between now and the end.
Add us as a preferred source on Google