The Boston Celtics have been the most surprising team success story of the 2025-26 NBA season. Doubted from the start due to Jayson Tatum's absence while recovering from a torn Achilles, Boston now finds itself five games back of the No. 1 seed in the East, with Tatum reportedly close to making a possible return.
All of this convinces ESPN's Kendrick Perkins that the Celtics should be considered the favorites to win the conference, provided Tatum makes a successful comeback.
"Jayson Tatum (coming back) is going to convince me to put the Celtics up top (in the East)," Perkins said on Tuesday during Get Up.
As of now, Perk said that he still holds the Detroit Pistons in higher regard as Finals contenders, but a Tatum return would change that calculus for Perkins.
Tatum suffered the injury on May 12, 2025, during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, sidelining him indefinitely and prompting surgery within hours.
JT's rehabilitation began with a focus on foundational recovery, including shedding the protective boot and building strength through gym work. By September 2025, reports noted Tatum's consistent presence at the Celtics' facility, adopting a rigorous "no days off" mindset to accelerate healing. In December, footage emerged showing promising mobility, with speculation of a potential return in January or February.
Progress ramped up in early 2026. On January 20, Tatum completed an hour-long workout, demonstrating dunks and sharp shooting. By February 8, he advanced to controlled five-on-five scrimmages with coaches, marking a key milestone nine months post-injury.
He practiced with the G League's Maine Celtics on February 9, feeling strong afterward but remaining noncommittal on a return timeline. During the All-Star break on February 17, Tatum shared that he was navigating the mental aspects of recovery while prioritizing full health. By late February, he fully participated in team scrimmages.
Buzz surrounds a possible debut in March, with no setbacks reported and Tatum appearing motivated in his docuseries "The Quiet Work," which documents his daily grind.
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