“From everything I’ve heard across the board, he’s been relentless and a maniac and passed every checkpoint.”
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum smiles from the bench during the first quarter at TD Garden on Nov. 12, 2025. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)
The Celtics have been far better than expected through 25 games without their star forward this season.
And while there’s still a lot of basketball left to be played, early indications suggest this Jaylen Brown-led Celtics roster could be a legitimate playoff team. With that comes the heightened speculation of when — or if — Jayson Tatum will return to the lineup later in the year.
Speaking on his podcast for The Ringer, Bill Simmons suggested it is absolutely possible for Tatum to come back this year, according to the people he’s talked to.
“From everything I’ve heard across the board, he’s been relentless and a maniac,” Simmons said. “[He’s] passed every checkpoint and has done everything possible to come back as soon as possible at 100 percent. Not 94 percent. They’re understandably being careful, but at some point, it’s like if he’s ready to play, let’s play him. What are we waiting for?
“I feel more confident than ever with the way that this team is responding that he’ll be back.”
Tatum has been documenting his rehab and recovery through frequent social media updates. His latest videos from December showcase him on the court moving freely and rather quickly with the ball in his hands.
All signs seem to show Tatum is well ahead of schedule in his Achilles tendon rehab, and Simmons’s comments further the idea that he could play this season.
Helping to make that happen, of course, is the way Boston has played without him to start the year. The Celtics aren’t just treading water waiting for Tatum to get back. They’re playing like an above average team in the NBA. Boston is top three in offensive net rating and top five in overall net rating. It’s also beaten tough opponents like the Knicks, Cavaliers, Magic, and Pistons.
Brown has emerged as the bona fide scorer many speculated he could become if he wasn’t the second option to Tatum. And now the possibility of him and Tatum rejoining forces for a playoff push seems even more lethal.
Boston had some early growing pains this year, but Tatum’s injury also freed more minutes for younger players on its roster to shine. Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta’s breakout seasons have been welcome additions to the group, wiping away some of the early weakness the Celtics showed.
Whether Tatum will be cleared to return this season or not remains to be seen. But if the Celtics continue to play at their current level without him, they could once again be a dangerous postseason team with him back on the floor.
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