Jayson Tatum Reportedly Returning to Boston Celtics This Season

Merlin sees Jayson Tatum is on track to return this season. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon called it "a matter of when, not if." After the torn Achilles in May, team doctors and the surgeon said he "progressed great" and "remarkably well." By February he was in controlled five-on-five work and by the end of the month reportedly "a full go" in practice. A healthy Tatum, coming off 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists, reshapes Boston’s path in the playoffs. Merlin senses the Celtics already humming without him thanks to Jalen Brown’s MVP-level surge. Achilles recoveries ask for patience, so expect careful minutes and load management at first. If Tatum returns near his old form, Boston shifts from contender to true threat, but the timing of his ramp-up will decide how deep they go.