On Saturday, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson shared his thoughts on Jayson Tatum’s expected return to the Boston Celtics this season. Brunson acknowledged Tatum as a formidable force in the NBA and expressed sympathy over the injury that sidelined him last year.
“He’s a very dangerous player in our league, and so obviously seeing him go down last year, it sucks to see,”
Brunson said.
“The fact that he’s worked so hard to get to where he is, and is preparing to come back, is a testament to who he is. Basketball fans around the world definitely are excited to see him come back.”
Progress in Tatum’s Rehabilitation Journey
Jayson Tatum has been making gradual strides in recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in May 2025 during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks. Recent updates highlight significant advancements in his rehabilitation process. In early February, Tatum was allowed to partake in segments of practice with Boston’s G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, held at the Auerbach Center.
This practice included Tatum’s first 5-on-5 scrimmage since the injury, involving a mix of rostered Celtics players, two-way players, and G Leaguers. Tatum described this step as a natural progression, stating he felt good after the session but emphasized focusing on steady daily improvements rather than rushing back. He highlighted the importance of following a structured recovery plan to achieve full readiness before returning to competition.
Teammate and Management Perspectives on Tatum’s Return
Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown has provided an optimistic outlook on Tatum’s recovery, saying that based on what he has seen, Tatum “looks pretty damn good” during this phase of rehab. Reports indicate Tatum is increasing his activity level actively with no reported setbacks. He continues to work individually on the court while gradually reintegrating into team activities.
Celtics president Brad Stevens remains cautious about the timing of Tatum’s comeback. Stevens insists that Tatum must be fully cleared both medically and mentally, aiming for 110 percent health before rejoining game action. This careful approach reflects the organization’s focus on prioritizing long-term success over a hastened return.
Uncertainty Surrounding Tatum’s Return Timeline
While there is hope for Tatum to play this season, no official date has been set. Tatum himself has made it clear that he wants to come back at full strength rather than as a diminished player. The ongoing discussions underscore the balance between urgency and caution as the Celtics prepare for his eventual return.
The progress of Tatum’s recovery continues to draw significant attention from basketball fans, players, and analysts alike, underscoring the potential impact his presence could have on the Celtics’ performance moving forward.
Jalen Brunson was asked about Jayson Tatum’s looming return: “
“He’s a very dangerous player in our league, and so obviously seeing him go down last year, it sucks to see.”
“The fact that he's worked so hard to get to where he is, and is preparing to come back, is a testament… pic.twitter.com/NHmJ4gJVCD
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 14, 2026
