The Boston Celtics did not get the memo about the 2025-26 being a "gap year" for them amid Jayson Tatum's Achilles tendon rupture.
Ahead of their return to action against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, the Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference with a 35-16 record -- and the lingering possibility of Tatum's return by season's end has sparked optimism of an unlikely run to a second NBA championship in three years.
MORE:Celtics' Jayson Tatum shares emotional message amid injury return rumors
However, Tatum has shared a message through NBA insider Ramona Shelburne that might frustrate expectant Celtics fans, eager to see the superstar small forward return to the court nine months after his injury.
Amid the announcement of Tatum's "The Quiet Work" docuseries on NBC, and the Celtics' home game against the Philadelphia 76ers next month getting flexed onto national television, Shelburne on Tuesday poured cold water on whispers that Tatum is going to return in the next couple weeks.
"I checked in with Jayson Tatum, and he says 'I still have not made a decision on whether or not I am coming back this year,'" Shelburne said on NBA Today.
Tatum, a five-time All-NBA selection, has been cleared to rehab with the G League Maine Celtics, so there remains optimism that he can return before the NBA playoffs begin in April.
And even if he opts to sit out for the entire season, the performances of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White this season will give Boston plenty of encouragement that the Celtics can still challenge for the Eastern Conference crown.
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