Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum is working his way back to full fitness following an Achilles tendon injury during the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals. He is yet to suit up for the Boston Celtics this season.
However, Tatum’s recovery is taking another step forward, as he’s been assigned to practice with the Maine Celtics on Monday, Feb. 9. He will immediately be recalled to Boston following the practice session.
“Jayson Tatum will be assigned to participate in portions of the @MaineCeltics practice at the Auerbach Center this afternoon,” the Celtics updated via their X account. “Following this practice, Tatum will be immediately recalled to the Boston Celtics, where he will continue his rehab process.”
As per the team’s PR, Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams will also head to Maine. All three will participate in “portions” of Maine’s workout.
Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams will also travel to Maine for today’s practice, joining Jayson Tatum – per Celtics PR.
Working out with the G League roster is an encouraging sign that Tatum is entering the final phases of his rehab. Star talents only make the trip down to G League affiliates when they’re ramping up their practice work and need additional reps to start shaking the rust off.
Jayson Tatum Was Recently Cleared For 5-on-5
According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, via NBA Countdown, Tatum was recently cleared for controlled 5-on-5 scrimmages with the coaching staff.
“Sources tell me Jayson Tatum has started controlled 5-on-5 scrimmaging with coaches,” Charania reported. “… There are more phases in his rehab. He’s got to practice with the team. And then, there’s also the normal nerves of coming back from an injury of this magnitude. A torn Achilles in May, to a really good team that has aspirations for potentially advancing in the playoffs.”
Charania continued.
“And Jayson Tatum has made clear to people around him, from my understanding, that he wants to come back as close to Jayson Tatum as Jayson Tatum as possible. Not a shell of himself, not a lesser percentage of himself.”
Regardless of when Tatum returns to the Celtics rotation, it will take time for him to be back to himself. After all, he’s missed almost a year of basketball.
Tatum Has Doubts About In-Season Celtics Return
During a recent appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Tatum admitted that he’s harbored doubts regarding an in-season return.
“That’s something I contemplate every day,” Tatum said. “More so about the team. If or when I do come back this season, they would’ve played 50-some-odd games without me. So they have an identity this year or things that they felt have clicked for them. And, it’s been successful, right, third or second team in the East up to this point. So there is a thought in my head that’s like, how does that work or how does that look with me integrating myself off an injury and 50-60 games into a season?”
Tatum continued.
“There could obviously be some challenges and it is a thought, like damn? Do I come back or should I wait? It’s something that I honestly, recently in the last two weeks or so, just kind of contemplate every single day.”
If Tatum is medically cleared to play, and he feels like he’s close to his normal self, it makes sense to bring him back. The Celtics will be a better team with him on the court. With the pace of his recovery starting to pick up, an in-season return certainly feels possible.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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