Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is getting closer to a return from the torn Achilles he suffered in last season’s playoffs. However, that return could be delayed until next season. After NBA TV’s Chris Haynes reported that Tatum’s return is “up in the air”, Tatum told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne something similar.
Tatum said that he’s not sure when he’ll return because he “wants to get it right the first time, so it’s just a lot to think about.” That echoes Haynes’ reporting, as well as Tatum’s own comments on a recent podcast appearance.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has said several times that Tatum is progressing well, but that his return won’t be rushed. Stevens made it clear that the decision will be a collaborative one between the star forward, the Celtics medical staff and Boston’s front office. Stevens recently went as far to say Tatum wouldn’t return until he’s “110% healthy”, which speaks to how cautious Boston will be with the superstar.