The anticipation surrounding Jayson Tatum’s return to the Boston Celtics has intensified following recent revelations about his rehabilitation progress. As the Celtics prepare for their Super Bowl Sunday matchup against the New York Knicks—who were the team against whom Tatum sustained his Achilles injury last May—rumors have circulated about the possibility of Tatum making a comeback.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania during an ABC broadcast, Tatum has begun participating in controlled five-on-five scrimmages with coaches. This development aligns with comments from Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, who noted that a structured recovery process typically involves several weeks of progressive training in various formats. Stevens had emphasized the importance of taking measured steps and conditioning Tatum to handle real game minutes prior to a return.
Charania’s recent report also highlighted the ongoing nature of Tatum’s recovery. He mentioned that Tatum still has progression milestones to surpass before fully reintegrating with the team. Understanding the physical and mental challenges associated with returning from such a significant injury, Tatum has openly discussed his feelings of hesitance about rejoining the team. On a recent episode of The Pivot podcast, he mentioned the successful identity the Celtics have developed this season and how that might complicate his adjustment back to the lineup.
Stevens reassured fans and media alike that there is no rush for Tatum to return until he feels completely ready. He stressed that the primary concern is Tatum’s health and peace of mind, emphasizing that his return must come only when he is fully cleared and confident in his abilities.
This cautious approach to recovery is not uncommon among athletes who have faced serious injuries. Kevin Durant, who similarly faced a challenging recovery from an Achilles tear, served as an example for many who navigate the difficult mental landscape of returning to competition after such trauma. Charania confirmed that Tatum is committed to ensuring he is at his best upon his return, not simply a shadow of his former self.
As Tatum progresses through his rehabilitation, there is a shared optimism that when he eventually steps back onto the court in full capacity, he will be the explosive player fans have come to love. With the Celtics performing well in his absence, Tatum’s reintegration has the potential to elevate the team even further when he is ready.