BIRMINGHAM, Mich.— Behind the scenes and away from the media spotlight, Jayson Tatum has been diligently working on his rehabilitation following the Achilles tendon rupture he sustained last May. While the Celtics star has provided brief glimpses of his progress on social media, he has generally kept his recovery private. However, that changed on Monday morning when Tatum showcased his skills during a 45-minute workout in front of reporters at Seaholm High School, coinciding with the Celtics’ shootaround ahead of their game against the Detroit Pistons.
Tatum kicked off his workout with shooting drills from various spots on the court, progressing to more dynamic exercises, including three-point shots off of screens, pull-up jumpers, and driving to the basket under defensive pressure. Observers noted his impressive explosiveness and shooting efficiency, as he fluidly navigated to his preferred mid-range positions. Celtics assistant coach Tony Dobbins applied a vigorous level of defense, reflecting his past accolades as a top defender in the EuroLeague, while Craig Luschenat, the team’s head of player development, guided the workout.
Notably, Tatum has not engaged with the media in such an extensive manner since his injury, often opting to conduct his post-shootaround sessions privately. His decision to work out during the open media period on Monday suggests a deliberate choice to share his progress. Fellow teammate Derrick White expressed his excitement over Tatum’s recovery, highlighting the hard work Tatum has dedicated to his rehabilitation.
Tatum has remained vocal about his desire to return to play this season. During a recent interview, he emphasized his commitment to getting back on the court, stating, “I’ve been working my butt off for the last 24 weeks now, just trying to get healthy and trying to get 100%, and it’s just something that motivates me.” However, Celtics General Manager Brad Stevens indicated that Tatum’s return hinges on meeting specific strength thresholds and undergoing several phases of progression before he can play competitively.
Having been eight months since Tatum’s injury, recovery timelines for Achilles injuries vary greatly among NBA players. Experts suggest Tatum’s unique case presents challenges in establishing a standard recovery timeline, as he possesses rare athleticism and support from a professional team. Nonetheless, he has been active with the team, attending practices, shootarounds, and even traveling for preseason games, all while embracing a role that fosters camaraderie with his teammates.
Tatum’s support has extended beyond mere presence; he has actively engaged with players on the sideline, offering insights and encouragement. White noted the impact of Tatum’s involvement, saying, “Just having a guy like that around is always impactful.” Tatum’s vibrant engagement has not gone unnoticed by teammates, suggesting that his return could be on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have been performing exceptionally well, currently holding the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 26-15 and boasting a strong net rating. Their recent performance, marked by a league-leading record of 15-6 since December 1st, positions them favorably as they aim for sustained success this season.
With Tatum’s diligent recovery and the team’s solid performance, there remains an optimistic outlook for both the player and the Celtics as they work toward their collective goals.