Jayson Tatum emphasized that he still hasn’t made a decision on whether to return this season as he met with reporters before the Celtics practiced on Saturday, writes Souichi Terada of MassLive. However, Tatum did discuss a workout he took part in this week in San Francisco with teammates and assistant coaches.
“There was a little five-on-five,” he said. “It’s tough to go into detail of every single thing I do every day. But I will say getting acclimated more and doing limited things with some of the guys out there. It’s all a part of the rehab.”
That session, combined with Tatum scrimmaging with Boston’s G League affiliate earlier this month, has fans buzzing that he might be ready for game action soon, Terada adds. Tatum refused to assign a percentage to his recovery, but said, “I know what 100% feels like.” However, he hasn’t practiced with the Celtics yet, which is one of several hurdles that have to be cleared before a comeback can be considered.
“It just kind of depends on how he continues to hit those checkmarks, whatever they may be,” coach Joe Mazzulla said. “At the end of the day, we have to make sure the main goal has always been get to 100%, get to as healthy as you possibly can and go from there. He’s done a great job working. My hope is that he gets as healthy as he can.”
There’s more on the Celtics:
- Prior to Thursday’s matchup with the Warriors, Al Horford told reporters that his decision to leave Boston in free agency last summer was “something that’s deeper than just the basketball stuff of it,” relays Jay King of The Athletic (Twitter link). Horford spent the previous four seasons with the Celtics before accepting a two-year offer from Golden State that includes a nearly $6MM player option for next season. “And it’s something that at some point I’ll share with people,” Horford said, “but for me it felt like it was the time for me to go elsewhere.”
- Dalano Banton, who inked a 10-day contract on Thursday, is thankful to get another chance with the Celtics, per Adam Himmelsbach and Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe (subscription required). Banton signed with Boston prior to the 2023/24 season, but was sent to Portland at that year’s trade deadline. “Definitely grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “A lot of familiar faces here. I had a good short time here. That relationship still lasts. Kept in touch with a lot of the organization, a lot of staff while I was away. I feel like I had a good time here and building relationships with people go a long way and I’m grateful for them to bring me back.”
- In a mailbag column, Brian Robb of MassLive points to Ron Harper Jr. as the player most likely to be signed when the Celtics are able to afford a rest-of-season contract without going into tax territory. Harper is currently on a two-way deal and has appeared in 11 NBA games this season.
For this season the Celtics run through Jaylen Brown. If Tatum returns he must know he can’t be the #1 right now even if off the bench. Brown should get MVP votes if not win it as most expected Celtics to tank or be a play in.
Yeah, I don’t think Tatum or the Celtics give AF about that. This is about his long term health, not who is the number one option.
If its about long term health then they would shutdown any talk of him returning. This would be the fastest return from Achilles in NBA history. Maybe sports history but I think Cam Akers was like 6months in NFL.
If he returns then the long term health wouldn’t be a topic and it would be about how he helps the team. Him helping means he is not the #1 option this season.
Did you not see the extensive piece on how quickly Tatum got the surgery after the injury and how that has historically impacted recovery time on this particular injury?
That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard any info about that before. Thanks!
Horford has something to say about why he left? Sounds kinda spicy lmao
Definitely got my interest.
@ Tuna. He’s just being coy. I’ll decode his words for you. I left because I thought the Warriors would be good and Boston not so much.
Totally backfired, just like the last time Al left.
lol true
I think Al left for the money. Too much money to give up with a large family to be responsible for.
He’s got a net worth of 130 million with a career earnings of 290M lol
Doesn’t matter. Lots of kids to help get a good shot in life.
I mean I understand and support him getting his money but if he’s planning properly he’s making 500k a month in interest or more.
Probably be some garbage statement.
Yes, us Celtics fan still love Al but that “deeper” word was a stupid thing to say. Yes, it could be some Ray Allen thing but probably not.
More taking care of his family while enjoying something new and a chance to play with Curry. And the money. He’ll need it going forward.
He should have explained his word “deeper” or better, not have used it. It leaves open media speculation which is about the worst.
Probably the most likely cause since he’s a family man. I doubt they Ray Allen’d him. Ainge is gone lol
Error on the Banton bit. He came from Toronto to Boston during the 23-24 season and was traded to Portand at the deadline
Oh now Al wants to come back to his spiritual home. If you want to leave $ 3 mil on the table sure. If not, we’re good. Thanks for your contribution.
How is that the conclusion you came to from his statement?
Horford didn’t say anything about “wanting to come back”
Yes he did, just wasn’t mentioned on here.
Would be open to returning to Boston was asked. Reply, yes I would.
Offer some proof besides your words because in my experience you seem to talk out of both sides of your mouth as the saying goes.
Also if Horford signed for the minimum he wouldn’t be leaving 3 mil on the table. Another example of you not knowing wtf you are talking about.
Thanks for mentioning that, that Al would come back, has good feelings for Boston. Anyone has to go for the money, like Luke, can’t blame them, but they both represented the Celts well while here.