The prospect of Jayson Tatum returning this season from the Achilles rupture that has sidelined him since last playoffs grew murkier on Wednesday night, as NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Tatum is reevaluating the idea and considering sitting out the rest of the Celtics‘ season (Twitter video link).
Haynes said that while it appeared Tatum was getting closer to being able to make his anticipated season debut, it is now considered “up in the air.” He added that the star wing had told him that he had planned on coming back this season, but the situation has changed for several reasons, though Haynes didn’t elaborate on what those reasons were.
Brian Robb of MassLive writes that on a recent podcast, Tatum had discussed the Celtics’ success without him this season, and how that delicate chemistry could impact his decision to suit up this year.
“They have an identity this year or things that they felt has clicked for them and has been successful,” Tatum said. “There is a thought in my head, ‘How does that work?’ or ‘How does that look with me integrating myself off with injury and 50, 60 games into a season?’“
Boston holds a 29-18 record after Wednesday night’s loss to the Hawks, and is tied for the second seed in the East while being led by Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 29.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 22.5 field goal attempts, and 7.3 free throw attempts, all of which are career-high numbers. Tatum expressed a worry that his presence could change the dynamic of the team.
“Obviously, there could be some challenges,” he said. “It is a thought like, ‘Damn, do I come back? Or should I wait?’ It’s something that, recently, in the last two weeks or so [I] just kind of contemplate every single day.”
That said, the report from Haynes leaves room for Tatum to still come back if he feels physically and mentally ready to do so. It’s unclear how this report could impact the Celtics’ approach to the trade deadline, as there have been reports that the team’s somewhat unexpected success could lead to them being buyers at the deadline, rather than sellers as was anticipated coming into the season.