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Jaylen Brown shares positive health update ahead of playoffs: ‘I feel a lot different than last year’
"I'm excited to maximize my potential and take advantage of every opportunity that I have to win."
Around this time last season, Jaylen Brown was receiving painkilling injections while playing through a partial meniscus tear.
He was studying old Paul Pierce highlights as he adapted his game while missing some of his usual explosiveness. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason.
And now, he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career as a fringe MVP candidate. On Sunday, a new chapter of Celtics playoff history will unfold as Boston takes on either Orlando or Philadelphia in the opening round at TD Garden.
“I feel a lot different than I did going into last year both mentally and physically,” Brown said. “So, I’m grateful for that. It’s still going to be a journey in itself. I don’t have any expectations. My expectations are to come out and just be the best I can for my team every single night.”
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At age 29, Brown is in his 10th year with the Celtics. After several deep playoff runs including the 2024 postseason which ended with a championship, Brown says his prime years are just beginning.
“We’ve gained a lot of experience,” Brown said. “I’ve personally gained a lot of experience. It’s been a pleasure. It isn’t always perfect, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s a part of the journey. I’m grateful to be where I am, grateful to be here.
“I’m excited for another opportunity. I’m still getting better. For some, it may be hard to believe because of the expectations they put on me, but I’m still improving, I’m still learning, I’m still growing … I feel like I’m entering my prime, and I’m excited to maximize my potential and take advantage of every opportunity that I have to win and be a part of a team and part of something special.”
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Brown missed the Celtics’ season finale against the Mavericks with left Achilles tendinitis. None of the Celtics’ starters played in that game.
Brown said he’ll be ready for the series opener on Sunday.
“We’ve just got to take it one day at a time,” Brown said. “Don’t take anything for granted and just come out ready to go every single night.”
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