NBA Roundup: Tatum Takes a Big Step, Zubac Eyes the Corner Three, and Tolu Smith Seizes His Moment
Celtics: Tatum Hits a Key Milestone in Achilles Recovery
Jayson Tatum just checked a major box on his road back to the court-and for Celtics fans, that’s the kind of update that matters.
For the first time since tearing his Achilles, Tatum took part in a full five-on-five scrimmage during Monday’s practice with Boston’s G League affiliate. That’s not just light shooting or individual drills-this was real, live basketball action against NBA and G League-level competition. According to reports, he looked “great” in the session, though it’s worth noting that several hurdles still remain before a return date becomes realistic.
Tatum himself struck a measured but optimistic tone afterward. “I’m feeling good,” he said.
“(Tuesday) is 39 weeks since the injury, so it’s been a long journey. And it’s just like the progression of rehab.
It was the next step. Doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not.
It’s just following the plan. So it’s just another step.”
That kind of patience and perspective is exactly what you want to hear from a franchise cornerstone working his way back from a serious injury. There’s no rushing this process-not with the long-term picture in mind.
Even without Tatum in the lineup, the Celtics have found a way to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference. They’re 35-19 and sitting in second place, showing the kind of depth and resilience that championship-caliber teams are built on. Tatum has been watching from the sidelines, and he’s clearly been impressed by what he’s seen.
“There was no doubt” the team could hold its own while he recovered, he said, calling it “really fun and cool” to watch the group grow in his absence.
And now, Boston’s front office has added another piece to the puzzle-veteran big man Nikola Vucevic. Tatum didn’t hesitate to give the move his stamp of approval.
“Vuc is a hell of a player,” he said. “I’ve competed against him for the last eight years. I’m excited about the things he brings to this team and the different dynamic.”
Vucevic brings floor spacing, rebounding, and a savvy offensive game that could make life even easier for Boston’s core once Tatum is back in the mix. If this team was already dangerous, the ceiling just got a little higher.
Pacers: Zubac and the Corner Three? It’s on the Table
Ivica Zubac has made just one three-pointer in his NBA career-but that might not be the case for long.
Since arriving in Indiana, Zubac and head coach Rick Carlisle have already begun discussing the possibility of expanding his range. Yes, that includes the corner three.
“I always thought I could shoot that shot,” Zubac said. “I didn’t get a lot of chances with the Clippers, but I always worked on it. If that’s what they want me to do, I have the rest of the season and the whole summer to work on it and be ready for next year.”
It’s an intriguing development for the Pacers, who have built a fast-paced, high-scoring identity around Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking. Adding a stretch element to Zubac’s game-even just from the corners-could open up new layers in the offense. And with Carlisle’s track record of developing bigs with range, it’s not out of the question.
For now, it’s more of a long-term project than an immediate shift. But if Zubac starts letting it fly from the corners next season, don’t say he didn’t warn us.
Pistons: Tolu Smith Makes the Most of His Shot
Sometimes, opportunity knocks-and you’ve got to be ready to answer. That’s exactly what Tolu Smith did for the Pistons.
With Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren both suspended, Smith got his first game action since January 10. And while it wasn’t a breakout performance on the stat sheet, his presence gave Detroit a much-needed interior presence.
“He’s an elite defensive rebounder, paint protector, pick-and-roll guy,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He’ll be just fine with the tools that he has.”
Smith’s strengths are clear: he’s a physical, no-nonsense big who does the dirty work in the paint. For a young Pistons team still figuring out its identity, having a player like that in the mix-even on a two-way deal-can be valuable.
It remains to be seen how big his role will be moving forward, but he’s shown he can step in when needed. And in a season where development is king in Detroit, that’s exactly the kind of contribution that matters.
From Tatum's cautious comeback to Zubac's evolving skill set and Smith's timely contribution, this week offered a reminder that the NBA season is about more than just the stars on the marquee. It’s about growth, opportunity, and teams finding new ways to evolve. And as we head deeper into the second half of the season, those little storylines could end up playing a big role in how things shake out.