The NBA Playoffs are a tense time for all teams as the competition hightens and they aim to be the champions of the season. Already facing the pressure, some injuries are haunting the Boston Celtics, and the franchise is looking for ways to navigate around that. The Celtics have been dealing with the Achilles heel injury of their star player, Jayson Tatum, who is expected to fully recover after the 2025-26 season. After that catastrophe set the team back, their final hope turns to dust as Jaylen Brown also faces an injury, a partial meniscus tear in his eye.
Jaylen Brown’s injury and its impact on the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics’ star player Jaylen Brown has taken one for the team after he incurred a partially torn meniscus in one eye while shooting hoops. The past two months have been treacherous as he has continued to play and practise while suffering an injury and maintaining it with injections since March. His decision will either risk his health and future or negatively affect the team.
Having surgery means that the Celtics may suffer during the playoffs with the absence of Jayson Tatum, and thereby end their postseason. On the other hand, continuing to play may result in permanent damage or a fully torn meniscus for Jaylen. Brown hasn’t had much to offer on the subject:
“Nothing to talk about right now. But we’ll see the next steps, and you just sit back and process and see what the next steps are.”
The dependence of the Celtics on Brown is evident in the averages the star brought despite his injury. The postseason has seen a 22.1-point average, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Showing great performance while managing his injury, Brown explained:
“I don’t make excuses… but the way I finished the year, persevering through some physical stuff that I was battling through, I’m proud of our group.”
Jaylen Brown’s treatment options: Which is better?
Jaylen Brown’s way forward should include some form of treatment. There are two options, both with pros and cons. Firstly, Jaylen may undergo a surgical procedure with a recovery time of six to eight weeks. The recovery time is relatively short but there are potential long-term health risks.
The second option would be to repair the torn meniscus; however, the recovery time is longer, meaning the Boston Celtics may continue the next season without two of their best players.
The Boston Celtics are no stranger to this situation, with Daneil Theis and Robert Williams both having suffered from partially torn meniscuses and undergoing surgery. The Celtics are tasked with structuring a roster that leaves no gap with the absence of Brown and Jayson Tatum, who faces a longer time off the court.
The Boston Celtics’ NBA’s offseason decisions
The Boston Celtics were slowly finding their feet after the injury and absence of Jayson Tatum, with their star player, Jaylen Brown, alongside other Celtics’ stars holding the fort. Now facing the injury of Jaylen Brown, another difficult moment marks the franchise’s progress in the postseason. With the Celtics further experiencing salary cap limitations, there’s no guessing where the team is headed next.
The moment that highlights the roster developments needed in the franchise arises for the Boston Celtics with their heavy dependence on Jayson and Jaylen, showing their flaws. While Jaylen Brown pushed through the pain, an assessment of the player is due as they explore different treatment options. Will there be a removal surgery or repair? Either one must explore the cons that may affect the player and the position of the Celtics in the Eastern Conference. The franchise faces the need to adapt to the situation while updating its roster.
