NBA 2017-18: Most improved players

Jaylen Brown (SF, Boston Celtics):

Jaylen Brown: Flying high

Jaylen Brown was part of the one-and-done crop and having finished at the University of California, was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the third pick in last year's draft.

Immediately slotting into the squad as Jae Crowder's backup at the small forward position, he averaged a respectable 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game last season.

In late August this year, Isaiah Thomas, Ante Zizac and Crowder were traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving. This trade meant that Brown was now Boston's starting power forward for the 2017/18 campaign - news which would have undoubtedly served as a boost for the 21-year-old during pre-season.

On the opening night in mid-October, Gordon Hayward suffered a horrifying injury which consequently sidelined him for the remainder of this season. Unsurprisingly, this led to further burden being placed on Brown's shoulders.

However, he is proving why he was such a high draft pick with consistently impressive performances for the Celtics this term.

Averaging 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, he has also improved his shooting percentage (47%) and 3-point percentage (40%) since becoming a starter. His eFG has also improved, from 50.8% to 54.7%.