There’s no official injury update on Jayson Tatum, but it was encouraging to see the Celtics star moving around freely during two public appearances this week, writes Matty Wasserman of The Boston Globe. Tatum made a visit to Patriots training camp on Wednesday and followed that by joining coach Joe Mazzulla at the groundbreaking for a new early education center a day later.
Tatum, who underwent surgery after tearing his Achilles in a May 12 playoff game, didn’t take any questions or address his condition, but team president Rich Gotham seemed delighted with his progress.
“He’s gone from walking around in a boot and just kind of wiggling his toes to, as you see him today, he’s walking around a little more freely,” Gotham told reporters. “That’s obviously very encouraging to all of us at the Celtics … These are all little milestones in what has been a pretty grueling process for him. But it’s great to see him out at something like this.”
Gotham refused to speculate on whether Tatum would return to action if he receives medical clearance before the end of the upcoming season. However, he added, “What I know about JT is that he’s going to do everything he can to put us in the position to make a decision.”
There’s more from Boston:
- The Celtics trimmed nearly $50MM off their luxury tax bill by trading Georges Niang to Utah, and they appear determined to get below the tax line altogether, cap expert Yossi Gozlan states in his Third Apron column (subscriber link). They’ll be about $12.1MM above the threshold once Chris Boucher officially signs, and Gozlan identifies two potential cost-cutting strategies. One is to trade Sam Hauser‘s $10MM salary and duck below the tax at the deadline by moving minimum-salaried players and replacing them with prorated signings. Another is to send Anfernee Simons ($27.7MM) to a team below the first apron, which would only have to part with $19.2MM in salary in return. That would also put Boston in position to escape the tax with small moves at the deadline.
- The multiyear extension for Mazzulla gives the Celtics some stability amid significant roster turnover, observes Souichi Terada of MassLive. Terada adds that Mazzulla is liked and respected by his players, particularly Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
- Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe examines the obstacles that Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca is facing in his attempt to buy the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and move the team to Boston. Washburn states that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is on board with the effort, adding that Boston doesn’t want to wait for the next round of expansion, which might not happen until 2033.
I hope Tatum takes the whole year off!
The Boston Celtics definitely saving money!!!
It’s a really smart strategy.
Sam Hauser is super solid and I actually would like to see them keep him. He’s a great shooter and provides a ton of spacing.
I would prefer they get rid of Anfernee Simons.
He’s a really good young player. But I think if they can trade him and avoid the luxury tax all together I’m getting rid of him in a hurry!
Then with Jayson Tatum out for the season.
No Al Horford
Kristaps Porzingis on the Atlanta Hawks
Jrue Holiday on the Portland Trail Blazers
This is a team that will likely miss the playoffs or be a play in team at best.
Jaylen Brown do have a chance to statistically have a career year because he will be the first option for the first time in his career.
Derrick White is a good solid player and should have another good season.
Trade Hugo, Baylor and Walsh for a 2nd rd pick and cash to get under the line instead of trading Simons.
Develop Simons at PG.
Tillman, Norris, Queta and Garza need to step up
Celtics should trade Tatum for Sabonis and Murray
Which teams are below the 1st apron that the Cs could potentially trade with?
Clippers, Pistons, Suns, Hawks, and Nets
Thank you