Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum isn’t ruling out a return this season, despite rupturing his right Achilles tendon in May in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
“I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” Tatum said Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.” “The most important thing is a full recovery. Being 100%. Not rushing at all.
“But also, I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.”
Boston hasn’t given a timetable for a return following Tatum’s surgery.
The six-time All-Star was seen walking without a boot or brace at a New England Patriots practice in August.
Boston underwent major changes this offseason, dealing starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Veteran big man Al Horford also remains a free agent and isn’t expected back.
Whether Tatum returns this season remains to be seen, but the six-time All-Star said he’s confident the Celtics will continue pushing for another NBA title.
“With being a part of the organization and the Celtics, there is a standard that we play to, that we uphold, regardless of who we have in the lineup, who’s on the team, who’s not,” Tatum said.
“There’s a sense of pride that we have when we put that uniform on, and we are always competing to win a championship. And that standard will not change.”
Tatum was among a trio of marquee players who ruptured their Achilles tendons during last season’s playoffs.
Damian Lillard was hurt in the first round of the postseason before Tyrese Haliburton went down in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
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