The Boston Celtics are playing the long game with Jayson Tatum - and that’s exactly what they should be doing.
Tatum, who tore his Achilles in Game 4 of last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, has been steadily working his way back. The surgery went well, the rehab’s been on track, and now the finish line is in sight. But if you’re wondering whether the Celtics are planning to fast-track their franchise cornerstone back onto the court, Brad Stevens made it crystal clear: they’re not cutting corners.
“Obviously, any team with Jayson Tatum’s going to be better,” Stevens said during his media session on Friday, just after the trade deadline passed. “If he needs it, I’ll tell him every day. Because every team - all 30 of us - would be way, way better with him on the team.”
That’s not just lip service. That’s a GM who knows exactly what Tatum means to this organization - not just as an All-NBA talent, but as the heartbeat of a team with championship aspirations.
Stevens emphasized that there’s no pressure from the front office to rush back, but also no hand-holding. When Tatum’s ready, he’ll play.
Until then, the Celtics are staying the course.
“He’s hit a lot of the thresholds,” Stevens added. “He’s doing more and more and will continue to do more and more.
There’s no pressure from us. But there’s also not going to be any of us saying, ‘Well, why don’t you just take another week?’
It’s going to be: When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
That’s the kind of balance you want to hear - a team protecting its star while trusting his instincts and competitive drive.
And here’s the kicker: the Celtics haven’t just stayed afloat without Tatum. They’ve thrived.
Despite the offseason roster shake-ups and the looming shadow of Tatum’s injury, Boston has managed to silence a lot of the preseason doubt. At 34-18, they’re sitting second in the East, just a game ahead of the Knicks and three up on the Cavaliers. Sure, the Pistons have built a bit of breathing room at the top, leading by 4.5 games, but the Celtics are right there in the mix - and they’re heating up at the right time.
Winners of five straight, Boston’s found a rhythm, and they’re doing it with a mix of grit, depth, and smart basketball. The next test?
A home showdown with the Knicks on February 8 at 12:30 p.m. ET - a game that could have major implications in the standings and potentially serve as a playoff preview.
So, while the Celtics continue their push without their superstar, the bigger picture remains in focus. Tatum’s return isn’t just about adding firepower - it’s about timing it right. Because when he’s back, and if he’s back at full strength, Boston goes from contender to legitimate title threat.
For now, the Celtics are proving they can win without him. But everyone in that locker room - and across the league - knows what kind of ceiling this team has when No. 0 is back in uniform.