The Boston Celtics were expected to tank this season after their superstar, Jayson Tatum, went down with an Achilles tear, then traded away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. However, with Jaylen Brown at the helm, the Celtics are 15-10 and are currently in third place in a weakened Eastern Conference.
With this in mind, the Celtics would be eager to bring back Tatum ASAP to capitalize, right? Well, it seems unlikely. According to the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, while Tatum wants to return ASAP, the Celtics themselves are still several steps away from even considering it.
“Within the organization he continues to indicate that he would like to return this season. It probably falls somewhere between possible and likely, but a league source stressed that the team remains several steps away from even considering the decision. Tatum must still reach several mile markers in his recovery before discussions about a return can be considered,” Himmelsbach wrote.
Tatum is the heart of Boston’s team. In his career, he has averaged 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, and earned five first-team All-NBAs, six All-Stars, and won a championship.
However, the Celtics’ position makes sense. While it would be great to have him return early, they don’t want to rush him from such a serious injury, especially when they’re paying him over $60 million a year.
Hopefully, the C’s and Tatum can come to some type of compromise, where Tatum gets to return if the Celtics are locked into the playoffs, or seem pretty close to it. And, if they don’t make it, he takes the whole season off to fully heal and prepare for 2026-27.
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