Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown gave an encouraging update on Jayson Tatum's injury at All-Star Media Day. For many, the Celtics' trade for Nikola Vucevic signaled Tatum's return, or at least, signaled the organization's desire to do so, while the All-Star forward has not made a final decision on whether or not he should return this season.
As for the Browns, Tatum is looking better as he reaches the final stages of recovery from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered last year in the Celtics' second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Brown addressed Tatum's rehabilitation during his media availability on Saturday.
"In terms of what I've seen, he looks great," Brown said, adding that Tatum's potential return for this season is close.
While Tatum's recent practice with the Celtics' G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, was an encouraging update, Jayson says it is not a guarantee he is returning this season, which is a decision that will likely be made in the coming weeks.
Celtics return Nikola Vucevic trade sign for Jayson Tatum
The Celtics added to their frontcourt at the deadline by trading Anfernee Simmons with the Bulls for Nikola Vucevic. Despite the guard leading the NBA in points off the bench, the Celtics added a big move to complement their All-Star tandem in Jaylen Brown and, hopefully, Jayson Tatum, amid his impending return.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics trading for Vucevic increases the front office's confidence that Tatum will return before the end of the regular season.
Stein reported, "The Celtics' decision to acquire Nikola Vucevic from Chicago before the trade deadline, in exchange for Anfernee Simmons' expiring contract, was a clear indicator that Boston believes Tatum will indeed return for the postseason."
The Celtics entered the All-Star break with the second-best record – 35–19 – in the Eastern Conference.
