Boston Celtics fans may have reason to dream again. After suffering a devastating Achilles tear in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, Jayson Tatum has been quietly making strides in his recovery, and scouts are taking notice.
At Chris Paul’s CP3 Elite Camp in Las Vegas, Tatum was spotted working with young wings, arms folded and smiling alongside Celtics assistant coach Amile Jefferson. While he didn’t run or jog, one scout described his movement as “really well,” adding,
“I’ve seen guys coming back from Achilles’ tears, and he looked way ahead. I was kind of shocked to see how well he was moving”.
The most surprising detail? No walking boot. Tatum appeared comfortable and engaged, participating in his role at the camp without visible discomfort. Though he’s not yet cleared for basketball activity, his presence and mobility have sparked optimism.
Tatum underwent surgery the day after his injury at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. While the Celtics have not released a formal timeline for his return, insiders suggest that a late-season comeback has not been ruled out, assuming continued progress and no setbacks.
Celtics President Brad Stevens previously stated,
“He’s progressed great, but I don’t know what that means in regard to projected timelines… When he hits the court, he’ll be fully ready and fully healthy”.
With Tatum sidelined, the Celtics are leaning heavily on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to keep their playoff hopes alive. But the possibility of Tatum returning late in the regular season could be a game-changer, especially if Boston is in striking distance of a deep postseason run.
