For Jaylen Brown, the offseason began with a challenge not many saw. A small meniscus tear suffered late in the season threatened to sideline him during another playoff run with the Boston Celtics, leaving Brown in a tough place.

The pain was real and the stakes high. Brown could either have surgery immediately or play through the discomfort to help his team. For a competitor like him, the decision was easy; the playoffs, a stage to compete at the highest level, are non-negotiable, even if it means enduring pain most wouldn’t attempt.

Brown revealed the details during a recent livestream, saying, “I had surgery to start the summer off, which was crazy. And, like, so to end the season, really before the season even ended, I had, I guess, I got diagnosed with a small meniscus tear, and I had two choices. Either you can get surgery right away, or you can kind of just try to manage it and get through the season, get through the playoffs.”

The injury, which occurred during March, significantly impacted his availability and playtime, and he eventually got surgery done in June, after the Celtics‘ playoff exit. Even managing the injury was a lesson in perseverance for Brown. He added, “It happened so late in the season that I didn’t have a choice because, like… You know, I’m not going to miss the playoffs for nothing. So, you know, we grinded through it.” He emphasized that it didn’t take just physical toughness, but mental discipline to maintain focus.

He admitted that the pain was a lot for him to manage. “I had to get like, I don’t know if anybody in the chat ever had a meniscus tear, but like that shit hurt.” For Brown, enduring this level of discomfort for his team didn’t entail just showing up, but setting the standard for his teammates in high pressure moments.

Even after surgery, the work hasn’t stopped. Brown has said that studying film and rehabbing the injury remain his priority, highlighting that returning stronger is more important than just being available on court.

Jaylen Brown Fires Back at Distraction Claims

Jaylen Brown has had his fair share of offseason activities, like foot-racing IShowSpeed just a few weeks ago during the streamer’s tour of the US. Some critics, however, have suggested that Brown’s personal projects, like his streams, are a distraction from basketball. For a player coming off a surgery after a grueling playoff run, these narratives can be frustrating, and he didn’t waste time firing back.

“I’m not distracted. They gon try to say ‘oh, he’s distracted cuz he’s streaming.’ I’m not distracted. I’m more locked in than I’ve ever been in my life,” Brown said, directly confronting his critics. His words made it clear that his personal hobbies and projects aren’t a detour for him. They coexist with his recovery and film study.

He continued, “I’m doing some stuff that I would do normally. I’m at home, probably going to be watching film with y’all.” Brown’s message is clear: his personal dedication to his craft isn’t compromised. His hobbies reflect a holistic approach to mental and physical performance, letting him stay sharp and engaged for the next season.