In an appearance on NBA Countdown (Twitter video link), ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an injury update on Celtics star Jayson Tatum ahead of Sunday’s game vs. New York. Tatum is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in May during the 2025 playoffs.
“Jayson Tatum has started controlled 5-on-5 scrimmaging with coaches,” Charania said. “He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn. There’s more boxes for Jayson Tatum to check. There’s more phases in his rehab, he’s got to practice with the team.”
As Keith Smith of Spotrac tweets, the next step for Tatum will likely be scrimmaging against Boston’s end-of-bench reserves, since full in-season practices are rare.
Tatum said at the end of January that he was undecided on whether or not he’ll attempt to return to action this season. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens recently said the five-time All-NBA forward will only play once he’s been cleared by the involved parties.
“The best time for Jayson Tatum to come back is when he’s 110 percent healthy, he’s fully cleared by everybody that matters in that decision, and he’s got great peace of mind and he’s ready to do it. That’s it,” Stevens said. “That’s the objective, and that’s what we’re going to stick with.”
Charania reiterated what Stevens said on Sunday.
“Jayson Tatum has made clear to the people around him … that he wants to come back as close to Jayson Tatum … as possible. Not a shell of himself, not a lesser percentage of himself,” Charania said.
Fools if you bring him back. Takes over 15-20 games just to get into game shape. Then to get ready for playoffs ball. Just get ready for next year.
Knicks showed up today. Best seeing how bench played. Diawara was a great pick. Can’t believe he lasted that long. Plays smart for a young guy. Alvarado looked good and we can see he will love playing in NY. With no McBride he will be great to have. Still wish they would have asked for Looney too.