Jayson Tatum authorized to train with Celtics’ G League affiliate

Jayson Tatum’s rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon sustained in May made significant progress on Monday as the Boston Celtics assigned him to practice with their G League affiliate.

In a statement, the Celtics announced that Tatum would take part in segments of the practice at the Auerbach Center in Boston alongside teammates Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams.

Following the practice, he will be recalled by the Celtics to continue his rehabilitation.

The team did not provide further information regarding a possible timeline for Tatum’s return.

Tatum suffered his Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks last May. The Celtics have performed well in his absence, achieving a record of 34-19, placing them third in the Eastern Conference, behind All-Star Jaylen Brown.

When asked about his return last week, Tatum expressed concerns about potentially disrupting the team’s chemistry.

“That’s something I think about every day,” he stated on “The Pivot” podcast. “They would have played over 50 games without me. So they have developed an identity this year, or found elements that have worked for them, and it has been effective.

“So I ponder: ‘How does that fit? What does it look like for me to reintegrate after an injury?’ And it is a consideration, like, ‘Should I come back, or is it better to wait?'”

However, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, following a trade deadline that saw the team acquire Nikola Vucevic, reassured Tatum that the team is improved with his presence.

“Clearly, any team with Jayson Tatum will be enhanced,” Stevens remarked on Friday. “If he requires it, I’ll remind him every day. Because every team — all 30 of us — would be significantly better with him on the roster.”