Jaylen Brown's lingering injury has come at worst time for Celtics

The Boston Celtics have lost 11 of their last 26 games. They've also dropped eight of those games coming off the back of a win. Jaylen Brown has been among the biggest targets for criticism during that stretch. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP is yet to hit the heights of last season.

Brown has struggled on both sides of the ball. He's falling asleep on defense, often getting back-cut. His efficiency on offense has also begun to slide. Still, it's worth remembering that the three-time All-Star has been playing on a rolled ankle since the Jan. 18 loss against the Atlanta Hawks. He hurt the same ankle again during the Celtics loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

“I’m still trying to get my burst and my explosion back,” Brown said. “I didn’t finish a lot of baskets around the rim, just because it’s messing with me a little bit. But it will get there... And then I’ve been just a little bit banged up, but pushing through,” Brown said. “Tonight wasn’t a great showing for our team energy-wise. I missed a lot of baskets around the rim and my team needs me to make those. So I need to be able to produce for my team.”

Brown isn't the only member of the Celtics roster dealing with injuries. Jrue Holiday has missed multiple games this year, and Kristaps Porzingis was absent for the opening six weeks of the season. Sam Hauser is only starting to get back to himself following a persistent back issue that has limited his effectiveness throughout the first half of the season.

Nevertheless, Boston could have done without Brown's impact declining. The current slump is the worst of the Joe Mazzulla era and has some sections of the fan base questioning whether the team can repeat its championship success of last season. Fortunately for the Celtics, the New York Knicks have also been battling inconsistency, so Boston's missteps are going somewhat unpunished in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Celtics are in need of a break. The All-Star weekend can't come soon enough. Still, if Brown or any other member of the rotation is playing with a slight injury, now is the time to sit them. Yes, results may continue to hurt, but at least then, the roster can get back to full strength. Otherwise, Mazzulla is risking long-term success for the dopamine hit of inconsistent wins. 

Brown's injury is certainly bad timing, but continuing to let him play is a dice roll not worth making.