Closer to a return? Jayson Tatum conducts one-hour, on-court session in front of reporters at Celtics’ shootaround.
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has been quietly ramping up the intensity of his workouts in recent weeks, with most taking place behind closed doors.
But on Monday afternoon he offered a rare glimpse into his recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered last May when he conducted a one-hour, on-court session in front of reporters at the Celtics’ shootaround practice at Seaholm High School.
Flanked by four assistant coaches and his longtime athletic trainer, Nick Sang, Tatum completed a variety of drills that showcased his passing, shooting, and dribbling. He even tossed in a few dunks.
Tatum was not available for interviews. But his teammate and close friend Derrick White smiled as he sat a few feet away.
“It’s been amazing to see,” White said. “Obviously all the work he’s put in, and you just kind of see him being around more and being able to do more, so that’s exciting to see, as a friend. Every day he’s been working hard, and it’s good to see that hard work add to more movement and more opportunity.”
Get Starting Point
After some light shooting, Tatum progressed to some change-of-direction dribbling that was followed by behind-the-back passes, pull-up jumpers, and drives to the rim while being guarded by an assistant coach. There were no obvious signs of limitation, but it was also a step or two below true live action.
Last month, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said that Tatum still needed to meet several strength training thresholds before progressing to scripted basketball workouts against small groups.
The team has not given a timeline for Tatum’s return or said definitively whether he will even play this season. But Tatum has made it clear that is his hope, and he continues to show signs of progress.
“You know he doesn’t want to watch,” White said. “He wants to get out there and play. But he’s been amazing just supporting. Every game just having him over there has been a lot of fun. I have no idea exactly what the timeline is or how he’s doing, but it’s just good to see him moving around and just supporting us.”
The Celtics’ offense continues to hum along without Tatum. Their 52-point, second-period eruption in Saturday’s 132-106 win over the Hawks was tied for the second-highest-scoring quarter in franchise history.
The Celtics entered Monday night’s showdown against the first-place Pistons averaging 121.6 points per 100 possessions, the second-ranked offense in the NBA.
Tatum is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league, and his healthy return would almost certainly provide a boost. Monday’s workout offered evidence that he is at least getting closer.
After Tatum completed his session, an administrator at the high school handed him a marker and he signed the concrete gym wall before heading out to the team bus.
The Patriots and Broncos are bound for the AFC Championship game. Ben Volin and Tara Sullivan break down the NFL playoff games and more. Watch the full episode.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.
