Tatum Begins Controlled Five-on-Five Work as Celtics Stay Cautious
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has advanced to controlled five-on-five sessions with team coaches, marking his most significant step since tearing his Achilles tendon during last spring’s playoffs, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday on NBA Countdown.
Charania said the 25-year-old star “has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn,” but added that several milestones remain before he can suit up. Chief among them is participating in a full practice, a rarity in the middle of the NBA schedule. Tatum is expected to scrimmage against deep-bench teammates next, according to Charania.
Tatum acknowledged late last month that he is still unsure whether playing this season is realistic. Team president of basketball operations Brad Stevens recently echoed that uncertainty, saying the organization will not “shortcut” the process.
“The best time for Jayson Tatum to come back is when he’s 110 percent healthy—fully cleared by everybody that matters and with great peace of mind,” Stevens said.
Charania reinforced that stance, noting that Tatum wants to return as his complete self, “not a shell” or “a lesser version.”
Source: Hoops Wire
