Shams Charania reported before Celtics-Knicks on Sunday that Jayson Tatum began participating in controlled 5-on-5 scrimmages as he continues to attempt a return this season. It marks the first public note of a progression from the visible 1-on-1, shooting and mobility work at practices and shootarounds in recent months.
It also marks a progression following Tatum’s Pivot Podcast comments and Chris Haynes’ report that followed, which indicated that Tatum was re-evaluating whether he would return this season. Charania added that Tatum only wants to return when he’s as close to himself as possible, and not a shell of himself and his usual impact.
He also echoed Brad Stevens’ comments on Friday that Tatum continues to check boxes in his comeback attempt. Earlier this season, Stevens said Tatum needs to meet a strength threshold, followed by several weeks of progressions through scripted small group workouts, larger groups, then 5-on-5 before unscripted and random scrimmages. Stevens added on Friday that Tatum has a ways to go in his comeback.
The Celtics have 30 games left, two before the all-star break, when Tatum will reach the nine month mark in his recovery. Players typically return from Achilles tears between 9-12 months following surgery, and sometimes more. Stevens, Joe Mazzulla and teammates including Jaylen Brown encouraged Tatum’s return and how it would help the team while also urging him to focus on his body and mind until he’s fully ready. The Celtics haven’t placed a timeline on his return, and Stevens maintained there’s no pressure on him to play this year.
Boston begins the second half with a four game west coast road trip on Feb. 19.
“When it’s right, then we’ll all sit down and talk about it, but there’s still no force from us, no pressure from us,” Stevens said. “But there’s also not going to be any of us saying, well, why don’t you take another week? When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
