For the first time since sustaining an Achilles injury in the 2024-2025 NBA playoffs, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum practised for the first time in a team scrimmage setting.
Tatum has been pictured practicing during individual sessions but the NBA champion was involved in a 5-on-5 scrimmage for the first time with Boston Celtics’ affiliate team in the NBA G-League, the Maine Celtics.
In an interview with reporters after the session, Tatum, who was a member of Team USA’s 2024 Olympics Men’s Basketball Gold Medal group, said he felt good and added that it was progression.
“Today is 39 weeks [since the Achilles tear] so it’s been a long journey and it’s just the progression of rehab, [this was] the next step. Doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not.”
“We’re just following the plan. It was just another step. I just feel a little bit better every day and I just try and focus on that” Tatum said.
Despite trading multiple players including Jrue Holiday and Al Horford prior to this season and dealing with Tatum’s absence, Boston Celtics have defied expectations by ranking second in the Eastern Conference standings with 34 wins and 19 losses and firmly on course to make the playoffs.
