English
Español
Jaylen Brown Receives Strong MVP Endorsement From Stephen A. Smith originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On a Wednesday episode of First Take, ESPN's well-known analyst Stephen A. Smth dove headfirst into the MVP debate between Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Brown and Jokic are set to do battle in Denver on Wednesday night.
For Smith, Brown deserves a place at the top of MVP mountain for the 2025-26 season so far.
"I'm looking at Jaylen Brown, and I'm saying I would give it to him," Smith said. "The MVP doesn't always go to the best player."
Who has the better NBA MVP case: Nikola Jokic or Jaylen Brown? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/TZprloF4gD
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 25, 2026
Smith pointed out that Jokic has Jamal Murray, another All-Star, to rely on, whereas Brown has done more with less this around him this season in Boston.
"Jaylen Brown ... was asked to step up and show what he's made of, and the man is averaging nearly 30 (points) a game," Smith continued. "And he's second in the entire NBA in usage rate. Jokic is 21st."
"I'm sorry, I have no problem with Jaylen Brown being the league MVP right now."
More NBA: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Describes What He's Missed Most During Rehab Stint