Former NBA wing Chandler Parsons raised questions about Jayson Tatum's reported return timeline during a segment on Run It Back. With The Ringer's Bill Simmons indicating Tatum could debut on March 6 against the Dallas Mavericks, Parsons worried about the pace.
"Isn't that quick? ... I hope he's not rushing," Parsons said, referencing Tatum's right Achilles repair from last spring's playoffs.
Jayson Tatum returns to the Celtics on Friday, according to Bill Simmons 👀
"Isn't that quick? ... I hope he's not rushing." - Chandler Parsons@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/So9w5HbeUC
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 2, 2026
The comments come as the Celtics improved to 40-20 with a 114-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Neemias Queta added 27 points and 17 rebounds in a standout effort.
Boston sits second in the East, trailing the Detroit Pistons (45-14). They'll face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday without Brown (illness), Queta (rest), and Tatum. Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to return for Milwaukee.
Tatum has been ramping up, participating in full 5-on-5 scrimmages. He's rumored to be aiming for a home debut, potentially aligning with games against Charlotte on March 4 and Dallas on March 6, as noted by Simmons. The Celtics are expected to plan a minutes restriction to ease him back into things, if and when a return does happen.
Tatum's absence follows a strong 2024-25 season where he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 72 games, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors. His playoff run ended abruptly against the Knicks, but all reports of his rehab process indicate that it's been a huge medical success.
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