Jaylen Brown has looked like a man on a mission in his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He has embraced being an all-around threat, showcasing his willingness to play any role for his new team.

The 76ers are off to a 3-1 start, with Brown averaging 20.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. Perhaps most importantly, he has taken on the challenge of locking up the opposing team's best scorer.

Lou Williams claimed that Brown is currently the league's best two-way player, noting that the 30-year-old star has been “dynamic” on defense.

“If Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) didn't exist, we would probably be having a different conversation around Jaylen Brown's name on the defensive end,” said Williams on “Run It Back.”

“I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he might be Defensive Player of the Year this season. Why not?”

"If Wemby didn't exist, we would probably be having a different conversation around Jaylen Brown's name on the defensive end… he might be Defensive Player of the Year this season. Why not?"

– Lou Williams

(via @RunItBackFDTV) pic.twitter.com/hAVWYe1SQC

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 27, 2026

Fans, however, did not agree with Williams, who played for the 76ers from 2005 to 2012.

“Bro's really not that crazy on defense. I've seen him play for like 10 years,” said @Ames94733860.

“Are we watching the same job or what?” asked @Travisleads.

“He's dumb. Jaylen Brown wasn't even a top-10 DPOY candidate last year. So regardless of Wemby, he's never gonna make an All-Defensive Team,” added @0fficialDecarri.

“Get TF outta here, bruh. This s*** was never said when he was in Boston,” wrote @Biggchuck___.

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“Dang, Jaylen got a good PR team,” joked @FakeMAGAcover, referencing Brown's recent quip about Jayson Tatum.

Well, to be fair, Williams is not exactly the perfect person to talk about defense.

Brown has always been extra competitive, and being recognized for his defense could be on his agenda.

Wembanyama is expected to be a perennial winner of Defensive Player of the Year.

In the last three decades, Marcus Smart has been the only guard to claim the honor, earning it in 2022.