Skip Bayless defends Brown from critics: “He’s better than Tatum!”

The collapse of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade negotiations forced the Boston Celtics into a difficult stretch of roster management.

Brown’s name being publicly included in trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks exposed the All-NBA forward to intense speculation, reigniting a polarized debate over his value among analysts and fans. Opinions continue to vary dramatically, with some viewing him as a top-10 player in the league while others question his overall analytical impact.

After Antetokounmpo was ultimately traded to the Miami Heat, Boston shifted its strategy and eventually completed a deal sending Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, ushering in a new phase of roster restructuring. Still, not everyone agrees with such a drastic move.

Appearing on the Gil’s Arena podcast, Skip Bayless made it clear that he ranks Brown ahead of Jayson Tatum, challenging what has long been the consensus among most NBA observers.

If you go by the eye test or your instincts with Jaylen Brown, I’ve said it from the very beginning, from Day 1: he’s better than Jayson Tatum. That’s what I believe. I’ll take him over Jayson Tatum any day or night

Skip Bayless

To support his argument, Bayless praised Brown’s competitiveness and relentless motor, calling them decisive qualities in the biggest moments of the season. He also argued that Tatum’s return from his Achilles tendon injury during the past year disrupted the Celtics’ chemistry, affecting a team that, in Bayless’ view, had come to rely on Brown as its primary leader.

From a statistical standpoint, Jaylen Brown finished the 2025-26 season with Second Team All-NBA honors after averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

With Brown now gone, the focus in Boston shifts toward rebuilding the roster and establishing a new identity following the departure of one of the franchise’s cornerstone players.