After struggling for the early part of the season, Jaylen Brown acknowledged the challenge of living up to last season's expectations on a deep roster with limited opportunities. 

Brown said "it's probably been the hardest thing I've had to deal with so far in my career. Just coming from a position where you had so much responsibility, and now that responsibility is lessened. Expectations have been raised, but your responsibility goes down, so it's hard to reach those expectations when you aren't being asked to do as much.

Brown was ranked 417th out of 430 players in Real-Plus-Minus when the ratings were first released. 

Kyrie Irving says it's time for Brown to accept the challenge and grow as a player.

Irving said "it's not about how many shots he's making or percentages or stats or anything like that. Now it's about, 'How do you get out of your own way to become the best version of yourself in an environment with other great players?' You're not in an environment where we can wait around for you. You're not surrounded by decent players who you will automatically play over, no matter how you perform".

Brown is averaging 12.5 points while shooting 42.4% from the field in 27.8 minutes this season, down from his 14.5 points with a 46.5% field goal percentage in 30.7 minutes last year.