After the Boston Celtics wrapped up shootaround at Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan, on Monday, all eyes turned to Jayson Tatum. The six-time All-Star took the court for an extended, hour-long solo workout - and it wasn’t just for show. This was a statement.
Tatum’s session wasn’t tucked away behind closed doors. It was open, visible, and deliberate.
A progress report in motion. And while he’s not quite ready to suit up just yet, what he displayed on the floor was enough to reignite belief that a return this season is very much on the table.
There were flashes of the Tatum Celtics fans know - and miss. Explosive finishes, powerful dunks, and smooth movement that didn’t look like a player just eight months removed from an Achilles injury. For a team with championship aspirations, that’s the kind of update you circle in red.
Even Charles Barkley, never shy with his takes, took notice. On Saturday night’s Inside the NBA, Barkley admitted he’s got “a bad feeling” - meaning, of course, bad for the rest of the league.
“Normally, when guys have an Achilles, they’re out for a year,” Barkley said. “What I saw him doing last week, I was like, ‘He’s gonna come back this year.’”
It’s the kind of gut reaction that speaks volumes, especially when it’s backed by what we saw on the floor.
From a medical standpoint, that optimism isn’t unfounded. Dr.
Kevin R. Stone, a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in Achilles tendon repair, weighed in back in December.
He said it’s “definitely realistic” for Tatum to return as early as January - a timeline that, while aggressive, doesn’t seem out of reach based on Tatum’s visible progress.
At this point, Tatum has cleared the eight-month mark in his recovery. For context, Miami Heat guard Dru Smith returned from a similar injury in nine months. Smith even opened up about his rehab journey earlier this season during a visit to Boston, offering a glimpse into just how demanding - and possible - a comeback can be within that timeframe.
Still, even with the encouraging signs, the Celtics are playing this smart. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has made it clear: Tatum has boxes to check before he’s cleared for game action. And with January winding down, it’s looking more likely that a post-All-Star break return is in play.
Circle Feb. 15 on the calendar - that’s the date of this year’s All-Star Game. If Tatum isn’t back by then, the conversation will only intensify as March approaches.
And there’s one date that jumps off the page: March 4. The Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden, one day after Tatum’s birthday.
He’s already said his first game back will be at home. Could that be the moment?
Whether it’s late February or early March, the bigger question is what kind of impact Tatum can have once he’s back. Even if he’s not at full strength, his presence alone shifts the balance in the East. The conference is wide open, and a ramped-up Tatum - even at 80 or 90 percent - is the kind of weapon that can tilt a playoff series.
For now, the Celtics are staying patient. But Monday’s workout was more than just a rehab checkpoint.
It was a reminder: Jayson Tatum is working, he’s progressing, and he’s coming. And when he does, Boston might be getting their closer back just in time.