On Friday, March 6, Jayson Tatum made his return to the Boston Celtics’ rotation. The All-Star forward had missed 298 days of NBA basketball after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Tatum has played in both of Boston’s games since being cleared, with the Celtics defeating the Dallas Mavericks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite Tatum looking far better than anyone expected, he’s operating under a 27-minute-per-night restriction. It’s clear that he’s still working his way back to full fitness and will need time to shake off some of the rust that comes with a lengthy layoff.
Nevertheless, Tatum’s return has elevated Boston’s roster, placing the team among the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference. As such, multiple veteran talents from around the NBA have begun sharing their thoughts on Tatum’s return.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is the latest to share his thoughts on Tatum’s return.
“Jayson Tatum is a worker,” Green said on a recent episode of ‘The Draymond Green Show’ podcast. “Jayson Tatum loves the game of basketball, which is proven by his coming back after 10 months, which most people would have sat out the entire season...Basketball is one, two, and three in his life. It's the most important thing in his life.”
“Obviously, a great man, great father, all of those things,” Green continued. “But Jayson Tatum loves basketball...To see him back out there doing what he loves to do is great for the NBA. It's great for Jayson Tatum. It's great for the Boston Celtics. It is great for the game of basketball. Shout out to JT, man. (He’s) doing the unthinkable. Doing what most people won't. Nothing but love and respect for JT, and it looks amazing seeing him back out there on the floor. What a sight to see.”
Tatum is expected to be part of the Celtics' rotation when they face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, March 10. That game will be a different test for Tatum, as he comes up against a young, talented and hungry roster having legitimate success in the Western Conference this season.
Still, if the Celtics want Tatum at, or at least near his best by the time the postseason begins, it’s games like Tuesday’s against the Spurs that will help get him there.
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