Celtics icon Paul Pierce has ignited discussion around the 2025-26 NBA MVP race, saying that Jaylen Brown deserves recognition among the league’s top candidates as a result of his outstanding season – even though he was passed over for Eastern Conference Player of the Month.

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Pierce didn’t mince words:

Can we put Jaylen Brown in the MVP discussion? It’s insane that he didn’t get Player of the Month. More hate toward the Celtics, but we’re used to it.

Paul Pierce

With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury, Brown has stepped into a more central role for Boston, helping lift the team into third place in the Eastern Conference standings. Pierce believes his impact hasn’t been properly acknowledged.

A December to Remember

Brown finished December with eye-popping numbers: 31.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting an efficient 53.8% from the field and 42.6% from three. The Celtics went 9-3 in that span, and Brown earned two Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards.

Despite those impressive metrics, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks took home the Player of the Month, with similar performances while New York went 10-4. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned it in the West.

No disrespect for Shai or Brunson, but none of them both had a better month than Jaylen

Paul Pierce

Pierce: “Brown Doesn’t Get Respect”

On the No Fouls Given podcast, Pierce explained why Brown should be in MVP conversations, noting that injuries to players such as Nikola Jokic could open the door. He argued that few analysts expected the Celtics to remain competitive without Tatum, and Brown’s consistent scoring makes him one of the league’s most important players.

Everybody hates the Celtics. Seriously, why isn’t he in the MVP conversation? Nobody had Boston third in the East without Tatum. He’s scoring 30 points consistently. Everybody talks about Cade or Wemby, but this guy deserves recognition. He’s a 30-point walking bucket.

Paul Pierce

With the return of Jason Tatum coming closer and closer, Brown’s position in the MVP race could strengthen, provided Boston continues to win. The Celtics’ journey from second-stringer to undisputed leader challenges voters’ criteria for measuring impact and leadership.

The MVP Debate in 2025-26

The MVP race often blends numbers and narrative. While players like Luka Doncic may lead scoring, Brown’s role in keeping the Celtics among the Eastern contenders – and the leap he’s made from co-star to unquestioned leader – have fueled Pierce’s defense of his case.

Pierce’s support isn’t just based on fanbase; it’s a call for meritocracy in how MVP candidates are evaluated.