The Boston Celtics haven’t been able to have Jayson Tatum on the roster all season long. Tatum is working hard to come back from the torn Achilles tendon that he suffered in the second round of the playoffs against the Knicks.
Tatum has stated that it is a goal of his to come back this season and play for the Celtics. Boston has played well without him so far, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. With the Celtics playing so well, the chances of Tatum coming back this season have increased.
No one within the organization has given a definitive timeline on when Tatum could return. They simply don’t want to put any pressure on him. Team President Brad Stevens recently gave a pretty big injury update on him that could hint that a return will happen this year.
GettyCeltics President Brad Stevens talks to the media. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Brad Stevens Gives Positive Injury Update on Jayson Tatum
While talking to the media, Stevens let everyone know that there is still no timetable for Tatum’s return. Still, he did mention that the Celtics have not applied for a disabled player exception for him, indicating that they believe he will play at some point this season.
The Pacers applied for a disabled player exception when Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon. They did that because they didn’t want him to rush back and get more hurt, so they ruled him out before the season started. The Celtics had a different approach to Tatum’s injury.
Tatum has been posting videos on social media that have chronicled his progress from his injury. There have been a few posts on social media that have hinted that a return could be soon, but Tatum has not given any definitive timeline for when he will be back on the court with the team.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum sits in the crowd. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Celtics Have Played Great Without Jayson Tatum
Despite not having Tatum for the entire season, the Celtics have played very well. They have the fourth-best offense in the league without Tatum in the lineup, largely thanks to Jaylen Brown. Brown has played the best basketball of his career as the top offensive option.
Boston will only bring Tatum back if it believes he can help them win the championship later in the season. He is still the best player on the roster. Yet, Boston has done a great job of replacing two starters that they traded away in the offseason, as well.
Tatum is still one of the best players in basketball, even coming off a devastating injury. He is young enough that he should be able to have a full recovery and still be the best player on the court. The Celtics are banking on him being able to do just that.
It’s unlikely that Tatum will return before the All-Star break, but he has been ahead of schedule with his recovery almost from the start.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Celtics’ Brad Stevens Gives Massive Injury Update on Jayson Tatum appeared first on Heavy Sports.