Nearly one year ago, Javonte Green, the final player to make the Celtics’ roster, entered Boston’s rotation against the Mavericks after Gordon Hayward broke his hand. He finished 4-of-8 from the field off Boston’s bench, including a three-point layup in the fourth quarter that keyed a 10-point win. Jaylen Brown praised his new high-flying teammate after the game, saying he’d leave the dunking to the youth now. Green was 26 then, Brown 22.
Brown stood and smiled as the pool of beat reporters laughed at his realization.