The Boston Celtics got lucky last season on the injury front. Outside of Kristaps Porzingis, who missed significant time throughout the playoffs due to multiple injuries, everyone was healthy (for the most part). But early on this year, they are already dealing with some nicks and bruises.
Jaylen Brown has missed a string of games due to a left hip flexor strain. Friday’s contest against the Brooklyn Nets marks the fourth straight game that Brown will spend on the sidelines. Sam Hauser’s back, Luke Kornet’s hamstring, Porzingis’ surgery recovery, and Al Horford’s load management have also popped up on the injury report, but Brown’s ailment is the most significant.
Before the game against the Nets on Friday, head coach Joe Mazzulla provided a small update on Brown’s injury.
Joe Mazzulla gives Jaylen Brown injury update
He said that Brown would continue to be day-to-day for the time being, and while there wasn’t much substantial to the update, it maintained the idea that the team isn’t too worried for the time being.
"He's doing good,” Mazzulla said. “It's day-to-day. Just working at it. Getting better. Getting a little bit better each day. Getting there."
This update should keep fans in a state of relief. Based on what the Celtics are saying, Brown's injury isn't too serious. Simultaneously, Mazzulla does an amazing job of giving some information without much substance. This isn't a huge update, it's merely stating that Brown is doing okay.
Not long ago, during his weekly appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand, Mazzulla made it clear that he isn’t concerned with the issue, and neither is the star himself.
"Day-to-day,” Mazzulla said. “It's a strain...I'm not concerned, and I don't think he is either."
Brown didn’t seem like himself at points before he joined the injury report. He’s in the midst of his most inefficient season yet in the NBA, which completely contradicts the ultra-efficient scorer he had become.
Dealing with a hip issue could be impacting his ability to drive effectively, defend at a high level, and a number of other actions on the court.
Boston has been one of the best teams in the league this year, and though they obviously want to have Brown available and on the court, they can afford to let him take his time with his recovery.
With guys like Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard readily available to pick up the slack in the scoring column, Brown shouldn’t rush. Instead, Boston should be prioritizing his full recovery, ensuring that he’s completely healthy prior to returning to action.
It’s the same mindset that they are taking with Porzingis, who isn’t expected to come back until around December. Rushing players back isn’t a good idea for any squad, but in the case of the Celtics, it’s simply unnecessary.