Jaylen Brown’s place on the 2025-26 All-NBA Second Team has not gone unnoticed, and at least one Boston legend thinks he deserved more.
The All-NBA teams were announced last Sunday, and the First Team featured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham.
Brown was named to the Second Team, alongside Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell, and his placement has sparked debate among fans, former players and analysts.
Paul Pierce says Jaylen Brown deserved Luka Doncic’s spot
Speaking on the latest No Fouls Given show, former NBA champion Paul Pierce said: “I think if I had to take one person off, maybe it would be Luka, and I know that’s saying a lot because Luka did lead the league in scoring, but he had more to work with, too. Think about it. He had LeBron all year. You got Reaves most of the year.”
He added: “Jaylen Brown, he did the most with the least out of all these guys that’s on this and maybe Cade Cunningham. I mean, you know, but Jaylen Brown didn’t have a second All-Star. A lot of these guys did. So, I would have probably removed Luka for Jaylen.”
Pierce framed the debate around context rather than raw production.
The 29-year-old star helped guide Boston to the playoffs while Jayson Tatum missed most of the season injured, carrying a heavier burden than expected.
Brown was also the only Celtics player named to an All-NBA team, while the Third Team featured Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Jalen Johnson, Jalen Duren and Chet Holmgren.
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