Offense
Much of the core focus of Brown and Snell’s offensive games are comparable, but there’s a difference in ability that was reflected in the order which both players were ultimately selected upon entering the league.
It may seem rudimentary, but with a similar approach and shot profile, Brown, a former third overall pick, still manages to do so much more than Snell, a former 20th overall pick.
Brown has averaged 14.5 points per game this season, on 46.5 percent from the floor, and 39.5 percent from three-point range. While his free throw percentage leaves a lot to be desired, at only 64.4 percent, he’s a capable scorer in a variety of ways.
He leads all Celtics in scoring off spot-up opportunities, with 4.7 points per game. He’s also their leading transition scorer, with 3.6 points per game coming on the break.
While he’s been very effective in catch-and-shoot situations, he doesn’t attempt nearly as many pull-up shots, as he isn’t great in those possessions. His percentages fall to 35.8 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three when taking pull-up shots.
Brown isn’t much of a creator, and his handle leaves much to be desired, although it isn’t dreadful. He does a good job playing within the offense, and taking open shots.
Offensively, Tony Snell has many of the same strengths. While his scoring numbers are much lower, his percentages of 43.5 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from deep are fairly similar. He has almost no handle, and doesn’t do any creating, but is very content to be a fourth or fifth option on offense while he’s on the floor, which isn’t an option most nights for Jaylen Brown on the Celtics.
In other words, Snell knows his role and his limitations, and is happy to play within them.
Snell scores 3.2 of his 6.9 points per game on spot-up opportunities, and 1.8 in transition. He has very little shot creation, and if he doesn’t have a shot when he gets the ball, it’s likely he’ll look to dump it off at the next possible opportunity.