Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has been authorized to join the club’s G League affiliate for portions of practice, marking a significant step in his comeback from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last May.
The Celtics announced Monday that Tatum will work out at the team’s Auerbach Center in Boston alongside fellow assignees Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams. Following the session, Tatum will return to the NBA roster and continue his rehabilitation program. The organization did not provide an estimated date for his game availability.
Tatum, 27, was injured during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 14, 2025. Despite his absence, Boston has compiled a 34-19 record and sits third in the Eastern Conference, propelled by All-Star guard Jaylen Brown.
Speaking on “The Pivot” podcast last week, Tatum acknowledged concerns about rejoining a team that has established its rhythm without him. “They would have played 50-some odd games without me,” he said. “There’s a thought in my head: How does that work with me integrating myself off an injury? Do I come back, or should I wait?”
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who added center Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, emphasized the club’s stance. “Obviously, any team with Jayson Tatum is going to be better,” Stevens told reporters Friday. “If he needs it, I’ll tell him every day.”
The Celtics did not disclose whether Tatum will participate in live contact during the G League practice or when he might progress to full-team activities.
Source: ESPN
