According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jayson Tatum continues to progress well in his Achilles rehab, as Boston’s superstar has begun “controlled” 5-on-5 scrimmages with coaches. It’s currently being described that he is “aggressively” attacking his rehab.
“Jayson Tatum has started controlled 5-on-5 scrimmaging with coaches. He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn. There’s more boxes for Jayson Tatum to check. There’s more phases in his rehab, he’s got to practice with the team,” added Charania.
Despite making huge strides in his recovery and progressing at a great rate, the 27-year-old will not rush back from his injury. In fact, he will take his time and approach it with caution.
“Jayson Tatum has made clear to the people around him … that he wants to come back as close to Jayson Tatum … as possible. Not a shell of himself, not a lesser percentage of himself,” added Charania.
Tatum has kicked around in his head on whether he should return this season or not, especially given the Celtics massive success with Jaylen Brown leading this roster.
“So there is a thought in my head, like, how does that work?” Tatum said. “Or how does that look with me integrating myself off the injury, 50, 60 games into a season? There obviously could be some challenges. And it is a thought: Do I come back? Should I wait? It’s something that I honestly, recently, in the last two weeks or so just kind of contemplate every single day.”
Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.