The Boston Celtics entered the All-Star break sitting at 35-19, good for second place in the Eastern Conference. They’ve accomplished that without Jayson Tatum, who hasn’t played a game all season while recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered in last year’s playoffs. Jaylen Brown has carried the load, earning himself All-Star starter recognition for the first time in his career.
Tatum’s recovery has accelerated in recent weeks. He practiced with the Maine Celtics last week, working through competitive 5-on-5 situations for the first time since the injury. Reports suggest he’s checking boxes and progressing toward a potential return. The timeline remains uncertain, but the trajectory points toward something happening soon.
All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles has brought Brown and the league’s best players together for media sessions and exhibition games. During the weekend, multiple NBA stars addressed Tatum’s recovery during their availability. What they said carries weight.
Durant Sets High Expectations
Kevin Durant understands the journey Jayson Tatum is on better than most. Durant tore his Achilles in 2019 and battled back to elite-level play. When reporters asked what he expects from Tatum if he returns this season, Durant’s response left no room for interpretation.
“I expect to see All-Star-level play and the same Jayson Tatum we’ve seen before,” Durant said .
Durant is saying Tatum will be the player everyone remembers. Coming from someone who walked that exact path, the expectation carries weight. Durant knows what the recovery demands mentally and physically. He’s not lowering standards.
Durant also spoke about where Tatum likely stands in the recovery timeline right now.
“Usually around this time you’re playing a lot of 5-on-5,” Durant said .
Tatum practiced with the Maine Celtics last week. He’s been working through competitive situations with defenders applying pressure. Durant explained what the final hurdles look like before returning to NBA action.
“Playing 5-on-5, getting up and down the floor, getting your conditioning right,” Durant said . “Just doing that consistently is key to you stepping into a game.”
Conditioning becomes the separator. Tatum needs to build endurance through consistent full-court work. Durant’s roadmap makes sense because he’s already traveled it.
Brunson and Lillard Show Respect
Jalen Brunson wears a New York Knicks jersey, but the rivalry didn’t prevent Brunson from acknowledging what Tatum is attempting to accomplish.
“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,” Brunson said .
The mental fortitude required to return from an Achilles injury this season deserves recognition. Brunson sees that. He also noticed the broader reaction to Tatum’s recovery.
“Basketball fans around the world are excited for it,” Brunson said .
This isn’t just Boston getting excited about their star returning. Fans everywhere want to see Tatum back on the court. The anticipation crosses team boundaries.
9-time All-Star Damian Lillard was also asked about Tatum. He shared that the two have remained in contact throughout the recovery process. His perspective reflected someone with inside knowledge of how the situation has evolved.
“I think over the last couple of months… we got a better idea of what’s happening, and we’re just trying to get to the finish line,” Lillard said .
Tatum and those around him know the steps to be taken. Now it’s about execution and getting to the end.
Celtics Teammate Delivers Direct Assessment
Jaylen Brown sees Jayson Tatum work every single day. He’s watched the entire rehabilitation process unfold. When reporters asked about Tatum’s current condition during his All-Star Weekend availability, Brown kept it simple.
“In terms of what I’ve seen, he looks pretty damn good,” Brown said .
A question about fit followed. How will two stars reintegrate after Brown has operated as the primary option all season? Brown’s answer reflected confidence built over years.
“Those conversations have been since we got drafted pretty much… In terms of winning me and him have done that at a very high level for a very long time. So I’m looking forward to that,” Brown said .
Brown is not concerned with the outside noise. He remains focused on one thing, which he and the Celtics have always done. Winning.
GettyCeltics’ Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Final Word for the Celtics
Four NBA stars spoke about Jayson Tatum during All-Star Weekend. Four different vantage points. One consistent message.
Kevin Durant expects the same All-Star-level player Boston had before the injury. Jalen Brunson called the comeback a testament to Tatum’s character. Damian Lillard talked about reaching the finish line. Jaylen Brown said Tatum looks pretty damn good.
Boston has won 35 games without their franchise player. That success doesn’t disappear when Tatum returns.
It becomes the foundation for something bigger.
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