Jayson Tatum reached another milestone in his Achilles recovery Monday, taking part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage with NBA and NBAGL players during a practice with Boston’s G League affiliate, ESPN’s Shams Charania said on NBA Today.
Charania reported that Tatum looked “great,” while noting that several recovery checkpoints still remain before the 27-year-old could return to game action.
After practicing with the Maine Celtics, Tatum described the session as part of the normal rehab progression rather than an indication of an imminent comeback.
“I’m feeling good,” he said, via MassLive’s Brian Robb, adding, “… (Tuesday) is 39 weeks (since the injury), so it’s been a long journey. And it’s just like the progression of rehab. It was the next step. Doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not. It’s just following the plan. So it’s just another step.”
Despite Tatum missing the entire season so far, the Celtics hold a 35-19 record, second-best in the Eastern Conference.
He said there was “no doubt” the team could succeed during his absence and added that it’s been “really fun and cool” watching his teammates thrive.
Tatum also praised Boston’s acquisition of Nikola Vucevic, saying, “Vuc is a hell of a player,” and adding, “I’m excited about the things he brings to this team and the different dynamic. So we’re all excited to have him.”
Celtics Notes: Tatum, Vucevic, Simons, Garza, Queta https://t.co/YpUmh5MHdS pic.twitter.com/eWCNJfx69T
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 13, 2026
