What Jayson Tatum told ESPN about a possible return this season
The Boston Celtics they’ve been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and they’re doing it while Jayson Tatum is on the sidelines as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury. Tatum always left the door open that he might return sometime at the end of the season, but it is still uncertain whether he will be able to. His last answer may be different from the others, but it sounds like his comeback up in the air.
“Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum told ESPN Wednesday night that he hasn’t made a decision on whether he’ll return from a torn Achilles tendon this season because he “wants to get it right the first time, so it’s just a lot to think about,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote.
Tatum has shown improvement since his injury, and some would think he is now ready to return to the field. In reality, there are probably several benchmarks he needs to reach before he can actually hit the court and play a full game of basketball.
It is not certain when he will be completely cleared, but it will not depend on him. It will be up to the doctors to let him know that he can return to full play.
Tyrese Halliburton recently talked about his rehab on Mind the Game, and noted that he’s working 3-on-3 and 4-on-4, but he’s still not ready to get back on the field. Halliburton tore his Achilles a little later than Tatum, but they should be ready to go full speed at the same time.
Tatum doesn’t need to rush back as the Celtics appear to be working with the team they have now. He’d be a nice addition if he could get back to the playoffs, but he’s much better off taking his time.
2026-01-29 14:45:00
