Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has been an integral part of the squad for several seasons. It's been more of the same this year, as the 2024 NBA Finals MVP is averaging 22.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting with 6.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and a team-high 1.3 steals.
However, Brown has had nagging regular-season injuries over the years. The four-time All-Star has only played in 70 games once since the 2019-20 campaign and has already missed 13 contests this season.
The NBA and NBPA's new collective bargaining agreement, which went into effect in July 2023, states that players must play 65 games to qualify for MVP, All-NBA, and other awards. Brown would have missed the cut in 2020 and '21 if the rule had been instituted then.
Brown will miss the Celtics' next two games with a bone bruise in his right knee, which puts his All-NBA eligibility in jeopardy, via NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg.
"Jaylen Brown is at 56 games played. Needs 9 more for All-NBA eligibility," he reported. "Out next 2, he'll have only 11 possible games if you include Monday's visit to Sacramento."
Jaylen Brown is at 56 games played. Needs 9 more for All-NBA eligibility. Out next 2, he'll have only 11 possible games if you include Monday's visit to Sacramento. pic.twitter.com/mriu4Qw7Ze
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) March 22, 2025
The Celtics (50-19) face the Utah Jazz (16-54) away from home on Friday night before a date with the Portland Trail Blazers (31-39) on Sunday. Their road trip continues on Monday vs. the Sacramento Kings (35-34) and on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns (33-37).
Brown is no stranger to awards, as he received All-NBA Second Team honors in 2023 and All-Rookie Second Team recognition in 2017. The 2016 No. 3 overall pick also was a First-Team All-Pac 12 player for California in '16.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM.