Whenever star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum does return to the court, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is sure to be one of the first people to know about it. And for good reason given their import to one another in the process of reintegrating the St. Louis native into the Celtics squad of today rather than the team as it was when he went down injured in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.

And one thing we do know is that at least for now, there is still no defined date for Tatum to return to action this season, as Mazzulla himself related on a recent episode of the 98.5 The Sports Hub “Zolak and Bertrand” show. “We’re just taking it day by day,” said the Celtics coach when asked about a timetable to return for the Duke alum.

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“Taking it day by day, and obviously he’s entered the next progression of his rehab, which was getting on the court with the G League team (the Maine Celtics),” added Mazzulla.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“He’s continuing to strive for the check marks that he’s got,” he continued. “Whether it’s in the weight room, whether it’s on the table or physically. So just continuing to get better and better, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Asked if he encourages Tatum to meet those goals, Mazzulla denied the necessity. “I don’t have to encourage him to do those things,” he replied. “That’s part of his progression and I think it’s who he is. To go after getting as healthy as he can, as fast as he can. He’s attacked that since day one.”

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Mazzulla on if Tatum has a timetable to return, or needs encouragement