Jayson Tatum has progressed to playing one-on-one basketball seven months after tearing his right Achilles tendon in May. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Wednesday that decisions regarding Tatum’s potential return timeline rest entirely with the All-Star and his medical team.
Mazzulla addressed Tatum’s status following the team’s practice session. The coach emphasized that Tatum’s health and rehabilitation process take precedence over any return timeline discussions.
“It’s all up to him,” Mazzulla said. “At the end of the day, his health is the most important thing, his process is the most important thing. You trust him, trust the team that’s around him – he’s got a great team – and then you just kind of go from there.”
Tatum released workout footage Tuesday showing him competing one-on-one against Celtics assistant coach Tony Dobbins at the team’s practice facility. The video displayed impressive mobility and movement for a player recovering from an Achilles injury. Tatum was back on the court Wednesday after practice concluded, working on post-ups and long-range shooting during the media-available portion.
Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon during a playoff game against the New York Knicks on May 11. He underwent surgery the following day and has traveled with the Celtics throughout the season while rehabilitating.
Mazzulla praised Tatum’s presence and leadership throughout his recovery period. The coach noted that rehabilitation often requires higher intensity and pace than in-season training.
“The encouraging thing is that he is who he is,” Mazzulla said. “I care more about (the fact that) he’s (around) the team, he’s helping us get better. That’s the most important thing.”
Payton Pritchard said the team remains focused on its current roster rather than preparing for Tatum’s return. The Celtics hold a 15-9 record and sit third in the Eastern Conference standings.
“We’re focused on his recovery,” Pritchard said. “If he comes back, and if he comes back healthy and ready to play, we know how to play with him. It’s not like we’re bringing him in to guys he’s never played with.”
Tatum recently posted a photo in game attire with the caption “soon” and a crossed-fingers emoji. He has stated publicly that he aims to return this season, though no official timeline has been established.