TITLE: Tatum Takes First Full Scrimmage as Celtics Adjust Frontcourt After Vucevic Trade
SLUG: tatum-scrimmage-celtics-frontcourt-vucevic
CONTENT:
Boston forward Jayson Tatum participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Monday with players from the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, marking his first full workout against live competition since tearing his Achilles nine months ago.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that Tatum “looked great” in the session but must clear several more checkpoints before he can return to NBA action.
“I’m feeling good,” Tatum told reporters after practice. “Tuesday is 39 weeks since the injury, so it’s been a long journey. This was the next step. It doesn’t mean I’m coming back or I’m not. I’m just following the plan.”
Celtics Thrive Without Their Star
Boston is 35-19 and second in the Eastern Conference despite Tatum’s season-long absence. The 27-year-old said he never doubted the roster’s ability to contend and called the team’s performance “really fun and cool” to watch from the sideline.
Vucevic Arrival Earns Praise
Tatum also endorsed the deadline acquisition of veteran center Nikola Vucevic. “Vuc is a hell of a player,” he said. “I’m excited about the things he brings to this team and the different dynamic.”
Simons Reflects on Brief Boston Stay
Guard Anfernee Simons, dealt to Chicago in the Vucevic trade last week, returned to TD Garden on Wednesday with the Bulls. He praised his short time in Boston and said he could “for sure” envision a future reunion if circumstances allow. Simons added that he understood the move, calling Vucevic “a great player” who can stretch the floor from the frontcourt.
Rotation Tweaks Follow Trade
Head coach Joe Mazzulla opened the first three games after the trade with a double-big lineup of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. On Wednesday he shifted Garza to the bench, sparking the offense but limiting the 25-year-old to seven minutes—his lightest workload since early December. Minutes could tighten further once Vucevic is integrated.
In a MassLive mailbag, reporter Brian Robb wrote that Vucevic may eventually start, though he argued Queta’s steadier defense makes him the preferable option to remain with the opening unit.
Source: HoopsRumors
