Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent an hour-long public workout Monday morning, providing a glimpse into his rehabilitation progress eight months after tearing his Achilles tendon last spring. The practice at Seaholm High School, where Boston held a shootaround before facing the Detroit Pistons, marked a rare public display of Tatum’s recovery process.
Several assistant coaches, including Tony Dobbins, guided Tatum through on-field drills. He showcased his shooting touch and physical improvements from the outside, working on shots off screens, pull-up jumpers and drives through contact with the Dobbins defense. Tatum also dunked several times during the session.
“It’s obviously all the work he’s put in, and you just see him being there more and being able to do more,” teammate Derrick White said. “So that’s exciting to see as a friend. Every day he’s been working hard, and it’s good to see that all that hard work is adding up to some more exercise and more opportunities.”
The Celtics have not yet set a timeline for Tatum’s return, though the forward has expressed a desire to play this season. Coach Joe Mazzulla provided minimal details after practice but acknowledged Tatum’s unusual nature during his media appearance.
“I don’t know where he is,” Mazzulla said Monday night. “I just trust the strength staff. I trust the sports scientists. I don’t know where he’s at, but I trust those guys, and I know they’re working really hard to put him in a position to be successful and get better every day.”
Boston thrived in Tatum’s absence, going 26-15 and second in the Eastern Conference midway through the regular season. The Celtics rank second in net rating in the NBA, thanks in part to the exceptional play of Jaylen Brown. Brown was named an All-Star starter on Monday, an honor Mazzulla said made him very happy.
White indicated that Tatum was eager to return, but acknowledged uncertainty about the exact timeline for his teammate’s comeback. Despite missing the entire season, Tatum has maintained a supportive presence on the sidelines.
“You know he doesn’t want to look,” White said. “He wants to go out there and play. But he’s been great just supporting. Every game it’s been a lot of fun having him out there. And I have no idea what the timeline is exactly or how he’s doing, but it’s just good to see him moving and just supporting us.”
When Tatum returns, his presence would strengthen a team that is already performing like a championship contender. The Celtics will welcome back Tatum once the medical staff determines he is ready to resume play.
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