Locked On Celtics Podcast | Episode Summary

Episode Title: MVP? Does Jaylen Brown REALLY have a chance? | How does Jayson Tatum change things?
Date: January 5, 2026
Host: John Karalis (Boston Sports Journal)
Key Themes: Jaylen Brown’s MVP candidacy, the evolving Tatum-Brown dynamic, and Derrick White’s underrated impact

Episode Overview

John Karalis breaks down the burgeoning MVP case for Jaylen Brown, examining where he stands in league perception and what still stands in his way. The conversation then shifts to the anticipated return of Jayson Tatum and how Brown’s emergence may redefine the superstar duo’s on-court relationship. Karalis closes by celebrating Derrick White’s overlooked excellence, particularly following a standout performance against the Clippers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jaylen Brown’s MVP Candidacy

Timestamps: [01:26] – [16:40]

• FanDuel Odds & Current Standing

  • Brown sits at 80:1 odds—considered a "long shot," trailing behind the likes of SGA, Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, and Jalen Brunson.
  • Betting odds fluctuate with public momentum and performance spikes.

• Recent Performances Elevate Case

  • Brown’s 50-point game against the Clippers was a "statement."

    “Of those 18 baskets, I would say 13 or so, 14 were like all Jalen doing his thing, isolating off of a pick and roll, getting the matchup that he wanted and, and cooking.” — John Karalis [06:01]

• Why Brown Belongs in the Conversation

  • Surpassing the 30 points per game threshold "announces himself" as a real MVP contender.
  • Defensive impact is substantial—recent ESPN stats highlight Brown among league leaders in opponent FG% when he’s the closest defender.
  • Comparisons:
    • SGA (Thunder): Leading best team, more recognized cast, reigning MVP.
    • Luka Doncic: On a solid team but brings value primarily through offense—"doesn’t play defense.”
    • Brown: Two-way production, driving Celtics’ success (53-win pace, 65% win rate).

• Media & Public Perception

  • Brown was ranked 9th in the season’s first ESPN Straw Poll.
  • National TV exposure and sustained performance could bring a surge by the All-Star break.

• Celtics’ Success Key to MVP Case

  • “If the Celtics keep their momentum going... Jaylen’s not in, like, at this point, as far as I don't think the voters are going to put him in their top three. But... by the All Star break... Jaylen Brown starts getting some real MVP buzz.” — John Karalis [13:30]
  • Jokingly suggests withholding awards may fuel Brown’s motivation:

    “Don’t give him any awards, don’t give him any player of the weeks... Just keep giving him something to rail against.” [11:33]

2. The Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum Dynamic

Timestamps: [16:40] – [32:47]

• Tatum’s Imminent Return

  • Expected later in the season; return offers chance for on-court recalibration.
  • “Jayson Tatum has been the guy that's been in the top five MVP... Now you have two guys that are proven to be in the conversation.” [17:05]

• Re-defining Roles and Sacrifice

  • Both must adapt—“Jalen is no longer... the stand in the corner guy... Jalen can make the plays.”
  • Running plays for both, giving each opportunities to initiate and close.
  • Sacrifice required from both:

    “Jalen is going to have to take a step backward. But so is Jason. Jason can’t come back and be Jayson Tatum of last year, the year before. He has to take a step backward. Collectively, they will be able to take a step forward as a team by doing that.” — John Karalis [20:47]

• Urgency of the Championship Window

  • Cites Brown’s and Tatum’s age, looming salary cap (second apron impacts), and Jaylen’s own statements about retirement by age 34-35.
  • “You don’t have a whole lot of time, so you gotta figure this out... Time is ticking. Time is running out for this version of the Celtics.” [25:20]

• Legacy Implications

  • Sacrificing individual accolades could lead to lasting legacy with multiple championships.

  • “Maybe neither of these guys ever wins an MVP because they each have to sacrifice. But if they each come out of this with two rings, three rings, legends. ...We’re going to be talking about these guys in terms of Larry Bird as far as the records...” [27:45]

3. Derrick White: The League’s Most Underrated Player?

Timestamps: [32:47] – [38:00]

• Clippers Game Breakdown

  • First half belonged to White (23 points, 8-of-13 FG).
  • “It was the Derrick White show in the first half...Derrick White hitting pull-up jumpers is a completely different animal here for the Celtics.” [33:15]

• Changing Role & Statistical Impact

  • Tasked more with pick-and-roll (35% of possessions this year), less spot-up shooting—leading to fluctuations in efficiency.
  • “...The situation that a player is in changes the opinion that you have of the player because of what he’s asked to do.” [35:50]

• All-Star Potential

  • Pull-up jumper is the swing skill—if it’s a real improvement, “maybe all star becomes part of the conversation.”
  • “If Derrick White can start hitting these shots...the player vote, coaches vote, the media vote...can change the conversation in a hurry.” [36:20]

• Praise for Consistency

  • Despite overshadowing by Brown’s 50-point eruption, White’s contributions are “huge” and critical to team success.
  • “He’s still obviously a very good player capable of some all star type games. But I don’t know, I just don’t know if he’s ever going to make an all star team. Which, borderline all-star is still an amazing basketball player.” [35:18]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Brown’s MVP Surge:

  “He’s averaging over 30 now. And that’s step one to be an MVP candidate...You are averaging 30. That, right there, is...he takes that step through the doorway and kind of announces himself.” — John Karalis [08:55]

• On Defensive Impact:

  “Bobby Marks put out a stat...that Jalen is one of the best, maybe the second best, defender as far as opponent field goal percentage when he’s the closest defender...the bottom line is, Bobby Marks from ESPN is tweeting out a stat about Jalen’s defense.” [09:50]

• On the Tatum-Brown Future:

  “You don’t have a whole lot of time, so you gotta figure this out. So...if you want to capitalize on this...you have to understand one very important thing here, guys. You don’t have a whole lot of time.” [25:20]

• On Derrick White’s Quiet Importance:

  “If he can get those pull up jumpers to fall at a better clip...and he starts hitting the pull up jumpers more consistently, maybe all star becomes part of the conversation.” [34:33]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:26] – Jaylen Brown MVP odds, comparison to other candidates
• [06:01] – Brown’s Clippers performance, scoring breakdown
• [13:30] – What needs to happen for Brown’s MVP buzz to increase
• [17:05] – Tatum’s return and implications for team dynamics
• [20:47] – Need for both stars to sacrifice for team success
• [25:20] – Contract/cap pressures and urgency of title window
• [32:47] – Derrick White’s performance against Clippers
• [34:33] – The evolution of White’s role and All-Star potential

Summary & Takeaways

• Jaylen Brown is not a frontrunner, but has a plausible MVP case grounded in both offensive dominance and elite defense. If the Celtics maintain their record and Brown’s surge continues, All-Star break could bring national “MVP buzz.”
• The return of Jayson Tatum presents a pivotal opportunity—both stars must compromise and adapt for the team’s championship goal. Their willingness to share the spotlight and responsibility could define their legacy, potentially elevating them into Celtics lore alongside greats like Larry Bird.
• Derrick White’s versatility, professionalism, and recent scoring outburst deserve recognition. His ability to hit pull-up jumpers could swing him into All-Star conversations and further unlock the Celtics’ offensive potential.
• Big-picture message: Time and cap constraints mean the current Celtics core has a finite championship window. Maximizing this opportunity will require shared sacrifice, honest reflection, and sustained excellence from Brown, Tatum, and key supporting players like White.

For full discussions, deep dives into Celtics strategy, and real-time analysis, subscribe to Locked On Celtics with John Karalis on all podcast platforms.