Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Few expected Jayson Tatum to play or even come close to suiting up this season for the Boston Celtics. A torn Achilles tendon caused Tatum to miss the end of last postseason, and he was expected to be out for the entire year. Boston has struggled without him, especially after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis for salary-cap purposes.
Tatum has said and done things to make fans question whether he can return this season. A video came out Friday showing Tatum taking part in more physical actions at practice. Various exercises to test his legs showed he is pushing himself faster than most players coming back from this injury.
Any player pushing themselves to progress this quickly from such a serious injury is typically hoping to return to action within the season. Tatum has rarely dealt with serious injuries throughout his career and has been one of the NBA’s “iron men,” playing every postseason. The running, jumping and strength training all show Tatum pushing himself early into his rehab.
Jayson Tatum’s Realistic Return Time
The initial belief was that Tatum would return at the beginning of next season to give himself the full recovery time and avoid risking further injury. However, an early return to the court for his first actions back in September started to raise questions, with Tatum offering his own comments.
“No pressure,” Tatum said at the Celtics’ media day. “No pressure to return back any sooner than when I’m 100% healthy. No pressure from Brad, (coach) Joe (Mazzulla), the team, the organization. The most important thing is that I’m 100% recovered and healthy whenever I do come back.”
Boston is not going to rush Tatum on its end by pushing him too hard, but this extra work comes from his drive and passion to return to the court. Tatum loves playing basketball and, as the leader of the franchise, understands his commitment. Even if he returns this season, it will come well after the All-Star break at best, and even that seems unlikely.
Celtics Should Protect Jayson Tatum’s Health
The Celtics are off to a 6-7 start with a far more limited roster than in past seasons. Tatum returning would clearly improve their ceiling in a weakened Eastern Conference. The argument for a return this season is that Tatum and Jaylen Brown may be enough to threaten the top contenders.
However, Boston has done little to replace Holiday and Porzingis after both left the team. The Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks have improved thanks to the veterans they acquired from the Celtics last offseason. Boston has treated this like a gap season, with the real intent to contend next year.
Tatum coming back this soon would also put unnecessary pressure and risk on his body. Unless the Celtics go on a wild winning streak to become a legitimate contender, the franchise should be wary about Tatum’s return. Boston has a dynamic duo that will contend for years and an opportunity to improve by simply letting this season run out without any more injuries impacting the long-term future.