Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said Wednesday that Jayson Tatum’s potential return from an Achilles tear will be determined primarily by the All-Star forward and the medical teams involved. The remarks came as Boston climbed to No. 3 in the Eastern Conference after a fifth straight victory.
“It all starts with where he and his team think he’s at,” Mazzulla told reporters, emphasizing that Tatum’s health and rehabilitation process take precedence over any on-court timeline. While Tatum has resumed 1-on-1 work, the coach noted that Celtics management, team doctors and the player’s personal physicians will jointly decide when—or if—the 27-year-old suits up this season.
Mazzulla added that he values Tatum’s current contributions from the sidelines: “His presence and leadership have been great—on the bench, in film sessions, traveling with us. He’s helping us get better even without playing.”
Sixers Seeking More From Centers
The Philadelphia 76ers need sharper production from their big men, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Joel Embiid shot just 4-for-21 in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers, and Andre Drummond finished with a minus-15 in 18 minutes despite an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double. Los Angeles centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes combined to make all eight of their field-goal attempts against the pair.
Kolek Turns Prize Money Into Minutes
New York Knicks reserve guard Tyler Kolek, who spent last season’s NBA Cup quarterfinal on the bench, used his share of prize money to buy his mother a car, according to the New York Post. This year the rookie has appeared in 10 straight games and recorded a plus-13 in fewer than eight minutes during Tuesday’s quarterfinal win over Toronto. Asked if another vehicle is on the holiday list, Kolek joked, “Nope, my dad wants the next one.”
Hukporti’s Speed Draws Attention
Knicks head coach Mike Brown called center Ariel Hukporti “one of the fastest bigs I’ve ever been around,” The New York Daily News reported. Hukporti logged a season-high 23 minutes in Sunday’s victory over Orlando but played only 73 seconds Tuesday against Toronto before being assigned to the G League on Wednesday. Brown indicated the 22-year-old’s quickness could lead to a larger role as the season progresses.
Source: Hoops Rumors
