Nikola Vucevic Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum
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Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Boston Celtics
After superstar Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the NBA playoffs last season, the Boston Celtics were swiftly eliminated from the postseason. They were not thought to be a team that would pose much of a threat to the competition in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 campaign.
However, the Celtics have far exceeded expectations with their best player on the mend, as Jaylen Brown has picked up the slack and kept this team competitive in what was perceived as a lost season even before it began in October. Only the Detroit Pistons (39-14) have a better record than the Celtics (34-19) in the East at this point in the season, which is remarkable considering the circumstances.
Jayson Tatum Shares Thoughts on Celtics’ Newcomer Nikola Vucevic
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GettyNikola Vucevic #4 of the Boston Celtics
With the Celtics looking like a potential title contender in the East this season, with or without Tatum returning to the floor, Boston chose to make a move at the NBA trade deadline to bolster the frontcourt for a playoff run, bringing in veteran big man Nikola Vucevic.
On Tuesday, Tatum, who is getting closer to making his return during the 2025-26 campaign, was asked about the Celtics newcomer after practicing with the G League’s Maine Celtics.
“Vooch is a hell of a player,” Tatum said, via CelticsBlog.com. “Obviously, I’ve competed against him for the last eight years, and [I’m] excited about the things that he brings to this team, different dynamics. We’re all excited to have him.”
Vucevic has played in only two games thus far for the Celtics since being traded by the Chicago Bulls ahead of the deadline, putting up a combined 22 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in 51 minutes on the floor.
Although not monster numbers from the 35-year-old, he’s a solid addition to the team and will almost certainly help this squad moving forward.
Stephen A. Smith Sends Stern Warning to Jayson Tatum
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GettyJayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics
With Tatum practicing with the G League squad, there’s a very real possibility he could make his return to the floor with the Celtics this season, which is a remarkable turn of events for the perennial All-Star forward.
After his first G League practice, Tatum reflected on what it’s like to be back on the basketball floor after 39 weeks, via Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog.
Noa Dalzell 🏀
Jayson Tatum:
“I’m feeling good. It was good to be a part of practice yesterday with the Maine G-League guys. Today is 39 weeks, so it’s been a long journey. And, it’s just like the progression of rehab… it doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not.”
“I’m feeling good,” Tatum said. “It was good to be a part of practice yesterday with the Maine G-League guys. Today is 39 weeks, so it’s been a long journey. And, it’s just like the progression of rehab… it doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not.”
Although everything seems to be trending in the right direction for Tatum as he works his way back, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith adamantly urges the Celtics superstar not to rush things and “stay home” rather than try to return this season.
“I just want to say to Jayson Tatum, ‘Why do that to yourself?’ Why come back? I mean, brother, you need to rest,” Smith said. “You need to take your time. Stay home. Get to the facilities. Rehab. There’s no rush. There really isn’t. I mean, it’s an Achilles tear. And I don’t want to see you get hurt again… So don’t rush back. Take your time. This is usually a 16 to 18-month recovery. It hasn’t even been 12. Jayson Tatum, that’s just not wise. Don’t do it. Rehab. Get yourself right. For next season.”
Nothing is set in stone at the moment when it comes to whether Tatum returns this season or the next, but it is safe to say he’s strongly considering defying the odds and coming back much sooner than anticipated.