Boston Celtics
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How many players will the Boston Celtics send to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game?
The Boston Celtics continue to prepare for the hopeful return of Jayson Tatum this season. Boston has overachieved thanks to Jaylen Brown having an MVP-caliber season so far, but they need more help to truly contend for a title this season. Tatum has been working hard to come back this season, and all signs are trending towards a return in March. The Celtics hope to threaten the Eastern Conference as a playoff threat.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla confused fans with the following message when asked about Tatum’s return:
“I don’t operate on feel. I live by principle.”
Mazzulla was asked if he feels that Tatum has a realistic return date in mind after recent rumors of his season debut getting closer. The Boston coach is known for saying wild things and offering a different thought process than other NBA coaches. Tatum is clearly working towards a return, but Mazzulla refused to give any real information.
Celtics fans will likely not know Tatum’s return date until a few days before. Mazzulla likes to keep things close to the vest and will not give us information faster than needed. Tatum has even tried to downplay his return, despite all signs pointing towards it coming.
Mazzulla Praised Tatum’s Progression Behind Scenes
The media asking Mazzulla questions about Tatum and the overall current state of the Celtics did lead to more quotes from him. Mazzulla referenced that Tatum is advancing positively and still needs to hit a few more positive steps before the return comes.
Boston’s head coach spoke more in depth about Tatum’s status:
“He’s continuing to get better. On the court, he’s going through his progression of his workouts. Working on his reads and continuing to hit his check marks in the weight room and in the treatment room as well. So, the main goal is making sure he gets 100% healthy and continues to get better and better.”
The next sign would be Tatum getting in more practice reps and joining the team in their practice games to get ready for game action. Tatum will have to pass a few more tests before he’s considered realistic to play an official NBA game again.
Will Mazzulla Limit Tatum Once He Return?
Tatum’s eventual return is not expected to see him looking exactly like the top five player he’s been in recent years. Boston is expected to manage his minutes and slowly reintroduce him to the lineup.
Most players coming off an Achilles tear will miss an entire season to rehab, like Kevin Durant in 2020, but Tatum has worked hard to set himself up to beat the timeline. Any player in this context will realistically have limited minutes and avoid playing back-to-back games. Don’t expect Tatum to play for 35 minutes and put up superstar numbers.
The Celtics looking good, despite less expectations entering the season, will see Tatum having to fit in rather than leading them. Brown’s leadership role allows him to carry the superstar workload and for Tatum to slowly ease himself back into action. Mazzulla will have a good problem of fitting an All-NBA player into a top two seed’s roster to end the regular season.