Celtics Beat Episode 660 Summary

Title: Jaylen is NOT an MVP Candidate w/ Bobby Krivitsky
Date: January 24, 2026
Host: Adam Kaufman (CLNS Media)
Guests: Evan Valenti (co-host), Bobby Krivitsky (Forbes & Hardwood Houdini)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Boston Celtics’ season at the halfway mark. The hosts debate Jaylen Brown’s status as an “MVP candidate,” break down the team’s health and resilience, and spotlight the emergence of rookie Ugo Gonzalez. The show is marked by nuanced Celtics talk, detailed statistical breakdowns, and candid banter. Special guest Bobby Krivitsky brings fresh perspective in his first appearance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celtics’ Season at Midpoint: Exceeding Early Expectations

Timestamps: 04:30–06:30

• Bobby slotted the Celtics around a 45-win team preseason, noting internal confidence and systematic changes on both ends.
• Team culture hailed for “effort as a skill”—especially among players seeking to prove themselves (Brown, Garza, Minot, Walsh).
• “48 minutes of consistently being the harder playing team” is credited as crucial for success.
• Bobby:

  “This is a group that, with that combination and Joe’s coaching ability... you have a team that is second in the East.” (05:58)

2. Injury Luck & Health: A Major Story

Timestamps: 06:01–14:50

• Celtics’ core (Brown, White, Pritchard, Houser, etc.) have missed minimal games—a major contrast to other contenders.
• Adam and Evan stress “injury luck” as a key factor, while Adam resists giving too much credit to the medical staff:

  “Injury luck exists…could just as easily go the other way.” (08:45–10:00)

• Evan:

  “A big reason they’re off to this great start…is because they’ve been relatively healthy. And it’s honestly crazy…how hard they play.” (12:03)

• Celtics’ improved conditioning and uptick in pace are both highlighted as factors:

  “They also play at a faster pace than a year ago by a significant margin... not as much walking the ball up.” (13:37 – Krivitsky)

3. Debating Jaylen Brown’s MVP “Candidacy”

Timestamps: 17:30–26:00

• Adam leads a spirited challenge to the idea that Jaylen Brown is a true MVP candidate:

  “Can we stop referring to him as an MVP candidate? … Jaylen Brown will get second place votes…but he’s not going to get first place votes…overwhelmingly [they] are going to go to SGA.” (20:30–21:20)

• Bobby acknowledges the “ballooning” of MVP talk midseason, referencing similar hype cycles with Tatum:

  “The media rally and cry…started to balloon this time of year…with Jayson Tatum’s MVP case.” (21:25)

• Consensus emerges: Brown is having an incredible year as a No. 1 option, but the award is SGA’s unless injury strikes.
• Evan raises double standards: why was Tatum’s loaded roster counted against him, but not SGA’s? Bobby highlights the changing, inconsistent criteria among voters.

4. SGA’s MVP Case vs. Brown and Tatum

Timestamps: 24:44–29:45

• Host discuss why SGA isn't penalized for roster strength, as Tatum was:

  “If you remember correctly, all the chatter about Jayson Tatum can’t win the MVP award because his team is loaded…Why don’t people make that same argument for Shea?” (23:44)

• Adam points to SGA’s efficiency and his performance while key teammates (Jalen Williams, Hartenstein) missed significant time:

  “SGA…is doing things that Michael Jordan did not do at his prime…he hasn’t had his Robin with him for half the season…” (26:15)

• The group distinguishes between being a local “homer” and a real national frontrunner for MVP.

5. Jaylen Brown’s Growth as Playmaker and Leader

Timestamps: 32:00–41:40

• Deep dive into Brown’s triple-double performance in the double OT Brooklyn win:

  “He was a very, very key participant in this win. He was great…27 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, only two turnovers, plus-11.” (33:17 A. Kaufman)

• Bobby breaks down how Brooklyn blitzed Brown, forcing him into facilitator mode:

  “He got the Jason Tatum treatment…[they] were ultra aggressive…He gave it up quickly, made the right reads…” (33:35)

• Evan highlights Brown’s low turnovers under pressure—a huge evolution:

  “You got to give him credit for that…12 assists and only two turnovers…I never would have pictured that.” (35:32)

• The trio marvel at Brown’s consistency and adaptability, debating his possible All-NBA first-team selection.

6. Monitoring Tatum’s Return

Timestamps: 39:40–41:40

• Adam speculates about the dynamic when Tatum returns from injury:

  “When Jason Tatum does get back…what’s asked of them? …Is Jalen going to continue to be the focal point in the offense?” (39:40)

7. Ugo Gonzalez: Breakout Rookie

Timestamps: 42:43–53:48

• Spotlight on rookie Ugo Gonzalez’s composure and impact—especially his clutch three to extend the Nets game:

  “19 minutes...10 points, perfect shooting...what excites me the most is the trust Joe and the coaching staff are consistently showing a 19-year-old.” (43:10)

• Bobby details Missoula’s tough love approach and Ugo’s maturation:

  “He first comes into the game…had a pretty bad shift, and Joe yanked him out…But he went back to him quickly…He went to the 19-year-old rookie…in a key game situation.” (45:18)

• Evan cites Ugo’s “plus-minus” dominance among rookies—nearly doubling the next best in the league:

  “Ugo leads rookies in the NBA in plus-minus…plus-193...the next best is plus-93. He’s lapping the competition.” (47:42)

• Bobby lauds the Celtics’ draft vision, singling out Ugo’s effort, connector qualities, and Real Madrid pedigree as foundational.

Memorable Quotes

• Adam Kaufman

  “Injury luck exists…could just as easily go the other way.” (08:45–10:00)

  “Can we stop referring to him as an MVP candidate? ... Jaylen Brown will get second place votes…but he’s not going to get first place votes…” (20:30–21:20)

• Bobby Krivitsky

  “Effort is a skill that is going further. This is a group that is largely starving to prove themselves.” (04:37)

  “[On Ugo]...no problem. I get it, game on the line from the corner and he fires it without hesitation as he’s done all year.” (45:45)

• Evan Valenti

  “My wildest dreams I never would have pictured [Jaylen] ever at any point have 12 assists in a game.” (36:30)

  “[Ugo] will literally die out there if he needs to…his effort is ridiculous.” (47:45)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Celtics’ Health and Injuries (Crucial context for standings)
  • 06:00–14:30
• Jaylen Brown’s MVP Non-Candidacy (Adam’s Rant)
  • 17:30–21:23
• MVP Voter Logic Double Standards (SGA vs. Tatum)
  • 23:00–26:16
• Jaylen’s Growth as Facilitator
  • 32:30–39:29
• Ugo Gonzalez Deep-Dive
  • 42:43–53:48

Tone and Style

The conversation is lively, candid, and often tongue-in-cheek, especially when poking fun at “homer” fan logic and media narratives. The tone turns precise and analytical during player/coach breakdowns, maintaining an insider’s but approachable feel.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode delivers a detailed midseason Celtics analysis—spotlighting the team’s combination of good health, evolving player roles, and unexpected rookie contributions. While Jaylen Brown’s first-team All-NBA play is celebrated, the hosts push back on local MVP hype, citing league context and voter habits. The breakout of rookie Ugo Gonzalez inspires optimism about both the current roster and the organizational pipeline, with coaching and scouting praised for cultivating unexpected talent. Overall, it’s an essential listen for Celtics fans seeking both reasoned perspective and roster excitement.

For detailed Celtics talk and honest debates like this, check out Celtics Beat on CLNS Media every week.