Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles on May 12 during the NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks. Now, less than 10 months later - after a grueling rehab to get back to his old form - he is expected to make his season debut Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Skepticism grew about whether he would return at all this season due to how well the team has played without him, currently sitting at 41–21 overall and second in the Eastern Conference.
Still, there's no question that when Tatum is on the court, the Celtics are better off. ESPN's Shams Charania spoke about the 28-year-old making his return.
"Sources tell me that Jayson Tatum has been fully cleared to play this season," Charania reported. "And is expected to make his season debut on Friday at home at TD Garden against the Dallas Mavericks."
"And in the last 24 hours, Tatum has been described to me as ready to go. He's checked all the boxes. The Celtics have not pressured him throughout this process… he's been playing 5-on-5 for well over the last month. Now with 19 games left in the Celtics' season, the team that's trying to contend for a championship - Jayson Tatum is on his way back, likely Friday."
How head coach Joe Mazzulla will use Tatum right away remains somewhat unknown and will likely be determined as he gradually ramps up his playing time. With 19 games remaining in the regular season, however, there should be plenty of time for him to work his way back into form and be fully ready by the time the postseason begins in May.
One of Tatum's biggest concerns during his recovery was coming back and disrupting the rhythm and chemistry that Boston built this season with Jaylen Brown leading the way. At the same time, he understands the impact he brings when he's on the floor.
"I’m just hyper aware of what’s going on. I think it would just stem from that. Obviously, I know what I bring to the table and bring to the team. But I’m also aware that these guys have been playing extremely well," Tatum said weeks ago. "Not to say that I would mess it up or anything like that. It was just being kind of - being vulnerable, I guess, for a moment and talking from that perspective."
Friday night's clash with Dallas will tip off at 7 p.m. EST and will be nationally televised on ESPN. Following that game, the Celtics will return to action on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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