Tatum trains but indicates that a comeback is not necessarily close.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum took part in his initial 5-on-5 scrimmage with teammates since suffering a right Achilles tear last May, but he emphasized that this recent milestone in his rehabilitation does not indicate that his return is around the corner.
Tatum engaged in practice with the Celtics’ G League affiliate in Maine on Tuesday and reported that he was “feeling good” afterward.
“Today marks 39 weeks [since the Achilles injury], so it’s been a lengthy journey,” Tatum informed reporters on Tuesday. “This is just part of the rehabilitation process, [this was] the next phase. It doesn’t imply that I’m returning soon or that I’m not. We’re simply adhering to the plan. It was just another step.”
Tatum has been sidelined since he sustained the torn Achilles during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. This type of injury typically requires up to a full year for recovery. When queried about how close he feels to rejoining the Celtics on the court, Tatum acknowledged that he remains uncertain.
“I just feel a bit better each day, and I focus on that,” he stated.
The Celtics have excelled in his absence, currently positioned third in the Eastern Conference, largely due to the performance of All-Star Jaylen Brown. Tatum discussed his concerns last week on “The Pivot” podcast regarding the potential disruption to the team’s chemistry upon his return. He revisited those remarks on Tuesday, saying:
“Clearly, I understand what I contribute and what I will add to the team, but I’m also conscious that these players have been performing exceptionally well,” Tatum remarked. “It’s not to suggest that I would come in and disrupt things or anything like that. It was just a moment of vulnerability, I suppose.”
Celtics president Brad Stevens stated last week that it is preferable to wait until Tatum is “110% healthy” and completely cleared before he makes his return.
“That’s it. That’s the goal, and that’s what we will adhere to,” Stevens commented.
