Bill Simmons blames coach for injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Halliburton

After Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum addressed his practice in the G-League and its significance in regards to its potential return, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons blamed the coach for the All-Star forward’s Achilles injuries and Indiana Pacers‘ Tyrese Halliburton. While Tatum, who has taken a step closer to a return, is not guaranteed to return this season, Simmons is calling out a certain shooting coach by name.

Simmons believes it’s no coincidence that the same coach who helped Tatum and Haliburton during their careers saw two his clients suffered ruptured Achilles injuriessaid on The Ringer’s Bill Simmons podcast.

“How about shooting coaches, and I don’t have to name them, but how come certain shooting coaches’ clients seem to have shin injuries all the time? It’s because they put too much stress on the shins,” Simmons said. that’s funny.”

Without naming names, Bill Simmons clearly points to Drew Henlen as the culprit. Henlen has worked with NBA players such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley Beal of the Los Angeles Clippers, Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings and Tyler Hero of the Miami Heat.

While Tyrese Halliburton is expected to sit out the entire 2025-26 season, Tatum could return before the end of the regular season.

Jayson Tatum has not yet decided to return to the Celtics

Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum has not yet decided if he will return this season. Despite the encouraging update that Tatum has joined the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, he revealed that doesn’t mean his comeback this season is final.

“It doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not,” Tatum said.

In his first address to the media since October, Tatum says nothing is promised as he’s still trying to figure out what’s next on his road to recovery.

“I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m still going through the rehab progression,” Tatum added. “I’m not saying I’m coming back or not. It’s all about being healthy and going through the plan.”

“I feel a little better today than I did yesterday — physically, conditioning, believing, every day I feel a little better,” Tatum continued. “More conditioning, more live stuff. Getting used to 5-on-5 and contact.”

The Celtics will host the Bulls on Wednesday.