Jayson Tatum has been diligently working on his rehabilitation after suffering an Achilles injury during the playoffs, and his progress has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, despite being sidelined, Tatum remains a significant presence within the team, demonstrating his leadership through encouragement and effort.
Tatum is optimistic about the possibility of returning to the court by the end of the season, although the Boston Celtics have not yet provided a timeline for his comeback. Himmelsbach notes that getting some playing time, even if Tatum cannot lead the team deep into the playoffs, would be beneficial for fostering on-court chemistry with his younger teammates. Sam Hauser emphasized Tatum’s commitment, stating, “He’s staying mentally, physically, emotionally prepared. He’s working his tail off every day… we appreciate him giving his time to us still, even though he hasn’t been able to compete with us in full.”
In recent practices open to the media, Tatum has shown signs of increased activity, focusing on shooting drills that involve off-the-dribble and change-of-direction movements. Observations suggest that he is not exhibiting any limitations stemming from the injury, indicating a positive trajectory in his recovery.
As the Celtics navigate the season, Tatum’s return could significantly impact their performance, and his continued leadership and engagement may help maintain team morale. His commitment to recovery and practice could potentially position him to play a role in the latter part of the season, fostering hope among fans and teammates alike.