The Boston Celtics’ playoff run may have ended in heartbreak, but the storylines are far from over. As fans sift through what went wrong in their title defense, one critical revelation has come to light —Jaylen Brown wasn’t at full strength. The All-Star played through a painful meniscus injury all postseason, raising questions about his health and future.
But during his end-of-season press conference, GM Brad Stevens offered a hopeful update that could change how Celtics fans view Brown’s summer and the team’s path forward.
Jaylen Brown’s Injury Situation Might Not Be As Bad as It Sounds
After ESPN reported that Brown had played the final stretch of the season on a partially torn meniscus, concern swept through Celtics Nation. But Brad Stevens brought a sense of calm to the situation. Speaking on Monday, May 19, Stevens told reporters that Brown will undergo further evaluation this week, but there’s a good chance surgery won’t be needed.
“He saw obviously our team docs and a couple of other people,” Stevens said. “And as he even said a couple weeks ago, the knee’s in a good place structurally.”
That last part is important. Brown’s injury didn’t get worse during the playoffs. Despite taking pain-relief injections and clearly being limited at times, he found ways to adapt and stay effective. He put up 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and nearly four assists a game during the postseason—all while guarding the opposition’s best perimeter players.
“I think he felt comfortable getting out there and going after it,” Stevens added. “And hopefully he’ll feel better after being off it for a couple weeks here. The unfortunate part is we’re done in the middle of May, but some of these guys who have some nicks, bruises and other things that it’ll be good to get some rest.”
Going by the words of Celtics’ GM, rest may be all that Brown needs for now. And after the grind he endured, mentally and physically, that might be the best outcome possible.
Brown’s Health Now Carries Even More Weight
The Celtics’ season unraveled quickly. Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles. Brown was quietly playing hurt. And what once looked like a promising repeat campaign turned into a second-round exit. That collapse, combined with injuries and ongoing speculation about Brown’s long-term future with the team, adds a layer of uncertainty heading into the offseason.
But with Tatum projected to miss the entire 2025–26 season after tearing his Achilles, Brown’s recovery takes on added meaning. The Celtics won’t just be hoping for his return—they’ll need him to lead. If he avoids surgery, Brown could enter training camp as the clear focal point of a team trying to survive a gap year. And in that role, how he responds could shape the next chapter of Celtics basketball.
MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft Following Shocking Lottery Results
Boston’s margin for error next year will be razor thin, and Brown, if fully healthy, will have to shoulder a heavier offensive load while anchoring a young, reshuffled rotation. A positive medical update could shift the offseason strategy entirely, especially if the front office chooses to build around Brown in the short term rather than pivot toward a full reset.
There have already been whispers that Brown could be on the move. But Stevens didn’t fuel any of those rumors. In fact, his tone suggested that Boston still sees Brown as a key part of their foundation. If his knee heals without surgery, it’s possible he comes back even stronger.