Jayson Tatum’s Rehab Progress Has Celtics Teammates Buzzing During All-Star Weekend
As the NBA world converges for All-Star Weekend, the spotlight isn’t just on the stars taking the floor - it's also on those working their way back to it. For the Boston Celtics, all eyes are on Jayson Tatum, who’s in the midst of a rehab process that’s quietly drawing optimism from inside the locker room.
Ron Harper Jr., who’s been splitting time between the Celtics and their G League affiliate in Maine this season, is in Indianapolis this weekend for both the Shooting Stars and Rising Stars competitions. But it was his recent interaction with Tatum that’s catching attention.
Earlier this week, Harper participated in a practice with the Maine Celtics at the Auerbach Center - a session that included a rehabbing Tatum. While Tatum was technically “sent down” to get some work in with the G League squad, he was quickly recalled to the main roster, using the opportunity to get live reps in a lower-stakes setting.
After that practice, Tatum spoke briefly, saying he felt good about where he was in his recovery, though he didn’t offer any specific timeline for a return. That’s not unusual - stars rarely do. But what’s more telling is how his teammates are reacting.
Harper, during a sit-down with SiriusXM NBA Radio, was asked by host Justin Termine how Tatum looked during that workout.
“He looked like Jayson Tatum, I’ll say that much,” Harper said with a smile.
That’s not just a throwaway line. When players are coming back from injury, teammates often hedge their words - “he’s working hard,” or “he’s getting there.”
But Harper didn’t hesitate. He saw the same guy who’s been the face of the franchise for years, and that’s a big deal.
Termine followed up, asking how excited the team was about the possibility of Tatum returning.
“We're really excited,” Harper said. “We don't know for sure if-or-not he's gonna come back, but we’re just really excited to be able to see him progress during his rehab.”
That kind of cautious optimism is telling. The Celtics know what Tatum brings to the table - not just as a scorer and playmaker, but as a leader.
Boston has been holding its own in his absence, staying competitive in the East, but there’s no mistaking the difference he makes. If he’s truly rounding into form, that changes the ceiling for this team.
And while no one inside the organization is putting a date on his return, the tone from Harper suggests that Tatum’s trending in the right direction. The Celtics aren’t just hoping he’ll be back - they’re starting to believe it.
For Boston fans, that’s something to get excited about.