As the 2025-26 NBA regular season nears its thrilling conclusion, the spotlight is firmly on players making their way back from ACL injuries. Leading this charge is Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum, who’s making significant progress in his recovery. Reports indicate that the 27-year-old forward is now fully participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages, generating a buzz among Celtics faithful.
However, not everyone is on the same page. ESPN analyst Stephen A.
Smith recently shared a different perspective, suggesting Tatum might want to delay his return. Smith pointed out Tatum's impressive resume at just 27, with five Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances, not to mention a championship under his belt.
Smith believes there's no rush given the Celtics' current strong standing.
Indeed, Boston has managed to maintain a dominant position, sitting comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference with a solid 38-20 record, even without Tatum in the lineup. This success has only added to the debate about whether Tatum should make his comeback this season.
In a recent interview, NBA insider Shams Charania emphasized that the decision is entirely up to Tatum. The Celtics are not pressuring him, allowing him the space to focus on his recovery. It’s all about building up strength and ensuring he’s fully ready when he chooses to return.
With 24 games remaining in the regular season, Tatum has the opportunity to prioritize his health and be fully prepared for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Celtics are set to face the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden, continuing their push towards postseason glory.