Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum provided a detailed update on his recovery Tuesday, saying, “I’m feeling good,” while emphasizing that his return timeline remains uncertain as he continues to follow a structured rehabilitation plan.
“Today is 39 weeks, so it’s been, you know, it’s been a a long journey,” Tatum said during a press conference. “It’s just like the the progression of rehab… we’re just following the plan.”
The six-time All-Star recently participated in practice with Maine’s G League group, describing the session as an important step without signaling an imminent comeback. “It was good. It was just kind of good to be out there. Had a jersey on… just kind of felt good to be a part of a team and and practice and go through reps,” he said.
Boston currently sits third in the Eastern Conference at 34-19 despite the absence of its primary scoring forward, leaning heavily on Jaylen Brown’s 29.4 points per game and balanced guard play from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
Tatum declined to estimate how close he is to returning, adding, “I don’t know percentage. I just know I feel a little bit better every day,” while noting that the next phase involves more conditioning and live five-on-five work.
The 27-year-old acknowledged the mental strain of the recovery process. “Mentally it’s been tough. It’s been exhausting… it’s been 39 weeks,” he said, crediting the organization, friends and family for support throughout the process.
He also admitted to thinking about how his eventual return might affect a roster that has maintained a strong record during his absence. “Obviously, I know what I bring to the table… but I’m also aware that these guys have been playing extremely well,” he said.
From a basketball perspective, Tatum described adjusting to the team’s rhythm if he returns midseason. “It might look different… but a lot of high IQ guys out there… we professionals would figure it out,” he said.
The Celtics have added veteran center Nikola Vucevic to strengthen the frontcourt, and Tatum praised the move. “V is a is a hell of a player… excited about the the things that he brings to this team and different dynamic,” he said.
During his absence, the All-NBA forward has watched games from the bench and alongside coaches, offering a new perspective on the game. “I sit next to the coaches during all the games so I kind of hear their commentary and see it through the the lens of a coach,” he said.
Tatum continues to focus on steady progress rather than a specific date. “I’m still… trying to figure it out… not saying that I’m coming back or I’m not. It’s all about being 100% healthy,” he said.
As Boston pushes through the second half of the season among the East’s contenders, his recovery remains one of the league’s most closely watched storylines, with the forward repeating his message to fans: “I tell them I don’t know day by day… I’m working towards getting back healthy and that’s what’s most important.”
