Jayson Tatum
Getty
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 21: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 21, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics have an upcoming decision to make regarding Jayson Tatum. The six-time NBA All-Star is nearing his return from an Achilles injury suffered during the Celtics’ playoff series with the Knicks last year. Despite Boston expecting to take a gap year with Tatum missing most — if not all of the season, the Celtics are currently 35-19 and sitting second in the East.
That changes the math for the Celtics considerably. The most prudent thing to do for Tatum’s long-term health is probably to hold him out until next season, which would have been easy to do had the Celtics been battling for play-in positioning the way they were expected to be. But with the East as a whole having a down season and Jaylen Brown leading Boston to a prime playoff seed, suddenly there’s a sense that the Celtics might want Tatum back sooner rather than later to try and make a playoff run.
NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony on Boston Celtics F Jayson Tatum’s Injury Return
Jayson Tatum
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics points directing his team during the second half against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on February 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 118-105. 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)
In an interview with Mark Medina, NBA legends and current color commentators Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller discussed a series of topical NBA items, including the Celtics’ dilemma with Tatum.
“If he’s healthy enough to come back and play, then you play him,” Anthony said. “This is about saving the championship window. If they can do it, bring him back and play him limited minutes so he can get in game shape. If you have one of the best players in this league that’s ready to come back, is putting in the work and dotting all the ‘Is’ and crossing all the ‘Ts,’ then why not bring him back?”
“The team is already rolling. Jaylen Brown is having an MVP-caliber season. So if Jayson can come back for a couple of games to get his wind back and timing back, I don’t see how that can disturb the Boston Celtics. I only think it can enhance it.”
NBA Legend Reggie Miller on Boston Celtics F Jayson Tatum’s Injury Return
Jayson Tatum
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics lays on the court after being injured against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images). (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
“If you had told me at the start of the season that the Celtics would be a few games out of first place, I wouldn’t believe it,” Miller added. “I knew they had talent without Jayson. But the way Jaylen Brown is playing, he’s playing at an MVP level. Coach [Joe] Mazzulla should get serious consideration for Coach of the Year with how he has entrusted his bench. Because they’re playing so well, does Tatum possibly coming back mess up the rhythm of a team that has gelled? If you can add an All-NBA first-teamer?
“I don’t think he should be playing any major minutes if he comes back. I’ve seen him at the workout facility, and he looks great. He’s going down to the play with the G League team. So he’s ramping up his activity. I personally would bring him back. It’s all mental. I don’t think it would mess up chemistry. Having an All-NBA guy for 15 or 20 minutes in the playoffs, it would only help.”