The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown says the symptoms of his COVID have hit him in waves this season; he’s dealing with chronic fatigue, muscle aches and pains. Now-a-days, athletes are testing their blood for various biomarkers like lactate to detect any issues that can affect performance before they happen. The NBA is starting to incorporate these tests into its games as well.
Jayson Tatum is a rookie for the Boston Celtics. He was drafted in 2017. Jayson has been playing well this season, averaging 16 points per game on 46% shooting from the field and 34% shooting from three-point range. Jayson’s body hasn’t felt the same since having COVID surgery last year.
2:15 p.m. Eastern Time
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ESPN’s Tim Bontemps
BOSTON (CBS) — Jaylen Brown of the Celtics stated he’s still feeling the affects of COVID-19, claiming that he sometimes feels like he’s played three games in one.
When asked whether he’s still healing from COVID-19, a virus for which he tested positive earlier this month, Brown answered, “I believe so.” “I’ve observed in the past few days — what, four games for me now? — that my body hasn’t healed as quickly as it used to. That’s something I’m discussing with our medical team.
“I mean, I’m in excellent shape. Then it seems like I’ve played three games instead of just one. I’m accustomed to my body reacting and recuperating much more quickly. I realize I’m just 25, but this can’t possibly be how things are on the other side.”
On Oct. 8, Boston reported that Brown had tested positive. He was allowed to ramp up in time to participate in the season opener against the New York Knicks on Oct. 20 after sitting out the required 10 days as per the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols.
Brown scored 46 points in 46 minutes in a double-overtime defeat in that game, and he had 30 points in an overtime victory in Charlotte on Monday. However, in Boston’s two home games this season, he has gone a combined 8-for-29 from the field for 22 points, including only 13 points on 5-for-16 shooting in Wednesday’s defeat to Washington.
Brown said before the season opening that he experienced breathing problems at times, which was his main worry after returning from COVID. While Brown claims that everything is great today, he also claims that he is suffering from joint discomfort and that his body is not recuperating as quickly as it should be.
“It will get better as I continue to battle through it and play more games and get the appropriate things into my system,” Brown added. “It has been spotty thus far. That, I believe, is self-evident. My body, on the other hand, hasn’t felt the same.”
Brown’s inconsistency from game to game was termed by new Celtics coach Ime Udoka as “mind boggling” after the defeat to Washington. Brown, who has since spoken with Udoka, said the remark didn’t disturb him and that he agreed with his judgment.
Brown added, “Ime came and spoke to me about it yesterday.” “It didn’t affect me in the least.” It’s perplexing to me as well. My body didn’t react the way it usually does, which startled me. I’m used to having that zip, that pop, flying around the court, but it wasn’t there this time. That, I believe, was self-evident.
“I don’t believe he was acting inappropriately. I need to improve and work with my medical team to find out how to bring my body back to normal. Some days I feel great, and then it’s two or three days before I feel great again; my body takes much too long to recover. That is a problem for me. As I navigate through that, we must continue to focus on the minutiae, improve our defense, and find a way to win games. Even though I don’t feel the same on the court, I may improve in some areas and be more specific in others. That is the topic of our discussion.”
Brown, who was named to his first All-Star team last season, has left patella tendinopathy, which forced him to miss Sunday’s game against the Rockets in Houston. He also revealed he spoke with fellow Celtics player Jayson Tatum about his own tough recovery from COVID-19 last year, but he noted that comparing their situations was difficult since they weren’t dealing with the same conditions.
“I believe it impacts people in various ways. I believe Jayson was more concerned about his breathing than anything else “Brown said. “… My rehabilitation has been a little different than typical. I, for example, have a set regimen. And that regimen is effective. It’s all about the cash. It’s something I’ve been doing for a few years. I complete my regimen even after a tough game, and I should be good.”
On Saturday night, the Celtics (2-3) go to Washington for a rematch with the Wizards. Marcus Smart, who is unable to travel due to a non-COVID ailment, will be absent. In Smart’s stead, Dennis Schroder is expected to start.
