Jayson Tatum reportedly back to ‘full go’ in Celtics scrimmages
Jayson Tatum is practicing without limitations as he continues his recovery from Achilles surgery, according to a new report.
Boston’s six-time All-Star “is a full go in 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.
“Right now, it’s about him putting together a number of practices and scrimmages to build up his conditioning and increase the strength in both of his calves,” Charania said on “NBA Countdown.” “An essential element right now around Jayson Tatum is the hurdle of being 100% mentally ready, 100% confidence in that right leg, because the common theme from people close to Jayson Tatum has been him getting out there and returning to action is ‘when JT feels like JT.’
“And so the Celtics will take Jayson Tatum’s lead. He’s in the driver’s seat. He’s going to be the one to make the decision.
Charania said the Celtics have “not put any pressure on” Tatum, echoing comments from president of basketball operations Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla. He also reported that Tatum has not decided when or if he will return this season, though all signs in recent weeks — from his increased practice participation to his partnership with NBC on a docuseries about his comeback — suggest he will, and soon.
“Think about it, guys: He’s nine months post-Achilles surgery, and he’s going full 5-on-5,” Charania continued. “Jayson Tatum throughout all of this, for months, has just wanted to get us to this point in March where he’s able to make a decision on whether he can play or not. Doctors, team officials, his side and Jayson Tatum himself will get in a room eventually and then make a decision about whether he will be able to play or not this season.”
The Celtics ruled Tatum out for Wednesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets, which closes out a four-game Western Conference road trip. They’ll play fourf of their next five games at home: Friday vs. Brooklyn, Sunday vs. Philadelphia, next Wednesday vs. Charlotte and next Friday vs. Dallas.
Tatum said months ago that his first game back would be at TD Garden.
