Jayson Tatum is inching closer to a return, and for Celtics fans, that’s music to their ears.
It’s been about nine months since Tatum suffered a torn Achilles during a postseason battle with the Knicks on May 12 - a crushing blow for Boston and a gut punch to one of the league’s brightest stars. Now, the six-time All-Star and former NBA champion is officially back on the court in a limited capacity, taking a key step in what’s been a long and careful recovery.
The Celtics, sitting at 34-19 and firmly in the Eastern Conference mix, could be getting their franchise cornerstone back at just the right time. But Tatum isn’t rushing the process - and that’s by design.
He’s made it clear that he won’t suit up until he feels like himself again. Not just physically ready, but mentally locked in and confident in his body.
In his words, he’ll return when he “feels like he's Jayson Tatum.”
On Monday, the Celtics announced that Tatum would be assigned to the Maine Celtics - the team’s G League affiliate - to participate in portions of practice at the Auerbach Center. It’s a controlled environment, a chance for him to get live reps without the intensity of an NBA game. Afterward, he’ll return to Boston to continue his rehab.
It’s not a full return, but it’s a big development.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tatum has already been involved in five-on-five scrimmages with Celtics coaches and members of the stay-ready group - players who aren’t in the regular rotation but are kept sharp through practice. That’s an important phase in any comeback, especially after a major injury like an Achilles tear.
The next step? Practicing with the full roster.
Still, Tatum is keeping a high bar for himself. As Charania reported, he’s told those around him that he won’t come back until he’s 100% confident - not just in his leg, but in his overall game.
He wants to feel like Jayson Tatum again. That means explosive off the dribble, confident in his jumper, and able to defend at a high level.
It’s not just about being cleared medically - it’s about being ready to compete at the standard he’s set for himself and the franchise.
And that’s exactly what you want to hear if you’re in the Celtics’ front office or part of the fan base. Tatum isn’t chasing a rushed return. He’s focused on the long game - getting back to the form that made him one of the most complete two-way players in the league.
Boston’s season has been strong without him, but everyone knows the ceiling rises significantly when No. 0 is back in the lineup. If this latest step is any indication, that moment may not be far off.