Jayson Tatum's been sidelined all season long, but according to Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White, that hasn't stopped Tatum from legitimately impacting wins this season.
In speaking to CLNS Media's Noa Dalzell, White said on Thursday that Tatum's presence "definitely helped us win some games (this year)."
Asked Derrick White if he was surprised just how involved Jayson Tatum was from the beginning of the year:
“He was on all the road trips — and not just the good cities. You realized he was gonna be around.”
“His presence definitely helped us win some games.” pic.twitter.com/VqopvS1RKp
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) March 5, 2026
Tatum has notably traveled with the Celtics all season long, all while undergoing intense rehab for his Achilles, which has led to JT's expected return to the hardwood on Friday night at TD Garden.
By staying mentally and emotionally engaged all season long with his teammates, Tatum will be able to zero in on getting his body into NBA game-shape over the next 20 regular-season contests.
The six-time All-Star now enters the next phase of his career -- post-Achilles -- and does so on a roster that has excelled in his absence and is positioned to make another serious run at a title this spring and summer.
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