Are distractions a cause for concern for Boston Celtics in playoffs?

The Boston Celtics just finished a six-game road trip with a 4-2 record after a 132-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Despite the record, the road trip was not a positive one for the Cs, as their play has not improved, and distractions continue to pile up.

The distractions that worry me the most involve star forward Jaylen Brown, role players buying in, and the ability to compartmentalize the outside noise.

Brown’s feature story in The Ringer this week detailed Brown’s struggles with the Celtics fanbase and the lack of respect he receives. Brown gave his thoughts on potentially not resigning with Boston, and his cryptic comments are concerning. This is something that C’s fans will need to monitor over the next few months. Although I don’t think Brown intended to cause a stir with his comments, he has now brought to life a new distraction at a time when the Celtics are gearing up to make a run at Banner 18.

Timing of Jaylen Brown’s comments odd amidst best season with Boston Celtics

The move from Brown is puzzling because this is the most important season in the Celtics franchise in the last decade. I don’t understand why Brown is focused on his contract and worth when the Celtics have made it known to him that they value him. Brown’s decision speaks to the overall mindset of the team this season, including the role players.

Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard have voiced their frustrations this season, and they have created unnecessary distractions for the team. I worry that Williams and Pritchard may not play their best basketball come playoff time, which would be detrimental to the C’s playoff run. Both players were important parts of big playoff wins for the Celtics a year ago.

The distractions have piled up, and I now question whether the Celtics will be able to compartmentalize everything come playoff time. This has become a major unnecessary concern heading into one of the most important postseasons in the history of the franchise. The Celtics have shown cracks in the foundation in past seasons, but they can’t afford to have any slips this year.

Jayson Tatum and Brown must take the responsibility of handling all of the distractions because the pressure is on to deliver Banner 18.