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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics sit second in the Eastern Conference, winning at a rate that has forced a recalibration of expectations around the league.
What was supposed to be a gap year has turned into something far more competitive.
They have been anchored by Jaylen Brown, who is playing the most complete basketball of his career, positioning himself in the MVP conversation as the season moves toward its midpoint.
That context matters, because it has reshaped how Boston views everything else.
Including the recovery of Jayson Tatum.
A recent outside voice added clarity to that conversation.
Zach Lowe Provides Update to the Tatum Timeline
On a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show, NBA analyst Zach Lowe shared his belief that Tatum could return at some point this season.
Lowe was careful to frame the comment as opinion rather than reporting. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding timing, conditioning, and role. But his core takeaway was notable all the same. A 2026 return is no longer unrealistic.
That sentiment aligns closely with how the Celtics have handled the situation.
Tatum has never ruled himself out. Boston has never closed the door. And as the season has unfolded, the team’s success without him has allowed progress to exist without pressure.
Dan Greenberg
The Boston Celtics are the best team in the East….and they don’t have Jayson Tatum yet
A Subtle Signal From Tatum Himself
Tatum has remained relatively quiet publicly as his rehab has continued.
Earlier this week, he offered a small glimpse into the process, posting a photo dump on Instagram with no caption attached. The soundtrack choice stood out. Longevity by G Herbo.
The message felt understated, but intentional.
For a player working back from a ruptured Achilles, longevity is not about speed or volume. It is about sustainability. Patience. Returning without sacrificing what comes next.
That tone mirrors how both Tatum and the Celtics have approached the process. Progress without noise. Work without performance.
Just a reminder that the work is ongoing.
jb
Jayson Tatum just posted on Instagram with the song “Longevity” 👀
Why The Celtics’ Context Changes the Injury Conversation
Boston’s recent stretch has reinforced why patience remains the priority.
Even while missing Tatum, the Celtics have remained steady. Exceeded expectations.
With Brown leading the offense and the supporting cast settling into consistent responsibilities, Boston has avoided tying its success to a countdown. There is no incentive to rush Tatum back.
If and when Tatum returns, it will not be because the Celtics require a rescue. It will be because the process supports it.
The most realistic version of a late-season Tatum return is not dominance. It is functionality. They would need him to fit alongside what already works. And that distinction lowers the burden significantly.
Final Word for the Celtics
Nothing has been promised. But the tone around Jayson Tatum’s recovery remains positive. For a Celtics team that has already proven it can win at a high level, that balance matters.
If Tatum returns, Boston will meet that moment carefully.
If he does not, they will keep building exactly as they have.
Either way, the Celtics are no longer defined by waiting.