Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum went through an hour-long public workout Monday morning, providing a glimpse of his rehabilitation progress eight months after rupturing his Achilles last spring. The workout at Seaholm High School, where Boston held shootaround before facing the Detroit Pistons, marked a rare public display of Tatum’s recovery process.
Several assistant coaches, including Tony Dobbins, guided Tatum through on-court drills. He demonstrated his outside shooting touch and physical improvements, working on shots off screens, pull-up jumpers and drives through contact with Dobbins defending. Tatum also dunked several times during the session.
“Obviously, all the work he’s put in, and you just kind of see him being around more and being able to do more,” teammate Derrick White said. “So, that’s exciting to see as a friend. Every day he’s been working hard, and it’s good to see all that hard work add to some more movement and more opportunity.”
The Celtics have not established a timeline for Tatum’s return, though the forward has expressed desire to play this season. Coach Joe Mazzulla provided minimal details following the workout but acknowledged the unusual nature of Tatum performing in front of media.
“I don’t know where he’s at,” Mazzulla said Monday evening. “I just trust the strength staff. I trust the sports science staff. I don’t know where he’s at, but I trust those guys, and I know they’re working really hard to put him in position to be successful and just get better every day.”
Boston has thrived in Tatum’s absence, entering the regular season’s midway point at 26-15 and second place in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics rank second in net rating across the NBA, fueled partly by Jaylen Brown’s exceptional play. Brown was named an All-Star starter Monday, an honor Mazzulla said made him very happy.
White indicated Tatum has been eager to return but acknowledged uncertainty about the exact timeline for his teammate’s comeback. Despite missing the entire season, Tatum has maintained a supportive presence on the sideline.
“You know he doesn’t want to watch,” White said. “He wants to get out there and play. But he’s been amazing just supporting. Every game, just having him over there has been a lot of fun. And I have no idea exactly what the timeline is or how he’s doing, but it’s just good to see him moving around and just supporting us.”
When Tatum does return, his presence would strengthen a team already performing like a championship contender. The Celtics will welcome back Tatum whenever medical staff determines he is ready to resume game action.