Jayson Tatum Still Working Toward Return as Celtics Thrive Without Their Star
The Boston Celtics are still without their franchise cornerstone, and while Jayson Tatum continues to make progress in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles, there’s no firm return date just yet. That update came straight from Celtics president Brad Stevens, who spoke to reporters Friday at the team’s facility in Boston.
Tatum, 27, suffered the injury nearly nine months ago-back on May 12 during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. It was a devastating moment for Boston. Tatum had to be helped off the court at Madison Square Garden, and the Celtics would go on to lose the series in six games.
Since then, it’s been a long road back for the five-time All-Star and First Team All-NBA selection. According to Stevens, Tatum is steadily ticking off the milestones in his rehab, but there’s still work to be done.
“He's hit a lot of the thresholds. He's doing more and more and will continue to do more and more,” Stevens said. “He's still got a ways to go.”
There’s no sugarcoating it: losing Tatum was a major blow. He’s the engine of the Celtics offense, the guy who draws double teams, creates mismatches, and takes over late in games.
But here’s the twist-Boston hasn’t folded. In fact, they’ve surged.
Led by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have defied expectations and currently sit tied with the Knicks for second in the Eastern Conference standings. It’s been a team-wide effort, with Brown stepping into a leadership role and the supporting cast rising to the occasion. But make no mistake-this team is still built around Tatum, and his eventual return will only raise their ceiling.
“Obviously any team with Jayson Tatum is going to be better,” Stevens said.
As for when that return might happen, Stevens kept it simple: “When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
That’s been the consistent message from the Celtics’ front office-no rush, no pressure. The priority is making sure Tatum is not just physically cleared, but mentally ready to go full speed.
“When is best for Jayson Tatum to come back? It’s best for Jayson Tatum to come back when he’s 110-percent healthy, he’s fully cleared by everybody that matters in that decision, and he’s got great peace of mind and ready to do it. That’s it,” Stevens emphasized.
There’s also been some outside chatter-natural, given the Celtics’ recent success-about how Tatum’s return could impact the team’s chemistry. But Stevens made it clear: there’s no question about Tatum’s place in this locker room.
“If he needs reassurance, I’ll tell him every day,” Stevens said. “All 30 NBA teams would be way, way, way better with him on your team.”
That’s not just front-office speak-it’s the truth. When healthy, Tatum is one of the most dynamic two-way players in the league.
He’s a matchup nightmare, a 6’8” wing who can score at all three levels, rebound, defend, and make plays for others. His presence alone changes the way opponents game-plan.
For now, the Celtics are doing what good teams do-finding ways to win without their superstar. But they know what’s waiting down the road.
And if Tatum returns at full strength in time for the postseason? The Eastern Conference picture could shift in a hurry.
Until then, Boston will keep grinding. And Tatum will keep working. The Celtics are playing the long game-and they know the payoff could be massive.