Jayson Tatum Still Weighing Comeback Timeline; Horford Talks Exit, Banton Joins on 10-Day, Harper Could Be Next
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Boston — Celtics forward Jayson Tatum told reporters Saturday that he has not yet decided when—or if—he will play again this season, even after taking part in a five-on-five workout earlier in the week in San Francisco.
“I’m getting acclimated and doing limited things with some of the guys,” Tatum said, calling the on-court session another step in his rehab program. The All-Star, who also scrimmaged with the Celtics’ G League affiliate this month, declined to assign a percentage to his recovery but added, “I know what 100 percent feels like.” He has not practiced with the NBA club, one of several benchmarks that must be reached before clearance for game action.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla said the organization will not rush the process. “The main goal has always been: get to 100 percent, get as healthy as you possibly can, and go from there,” Mazzulla noted.
Horford: Move to Warriors “deeper than basketball”
Before Thursday’s matchup with Golden State, longtime Celtics center Al Horford reflected on his offseason decision to leave Boston. The veteran signed a two-year deal with the Warriors that includes a player option worth nearly $6 million for 2026-27.
“It’s something that at some point I’ll share with people,” Horford said, adding that the choice to depart after four seasons in Boston was “deeper than just the basketball stuff.”
Banton returns on 10-day contract
Boston brought back guard Dalano Banton on a 10-day deal Thursday. Banton began the 2023-24 campaign with the Celtics but was traded to Toronto at that season’s deadline. “Definitely grateful for the opportunity,” he said, citing the familiarity with coaches and staff. “Building relationships with people goes a long way, and I’m grateful for them to bring me back.”
Harper Jr. viewed as likely full-season addition
With the club monitoring luxury-tax constraints, MassLive’s Brian Robb identified two-way forward Ron Harper Jr. as the leading candidate for a standard rest-of-season contract once the Celtics can add a player without entering tax territory. Harper has appeared in 11 NBA games this year.
The Celtics continue evaluating roster and injury situations as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Source: Hoops Rumors
