Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum may be close to making his return to the lineup, and former Celtics center Kendrick Perkins believes the rest of the league should take notice.
Tatum was upgraded to questionable ahead of Boston's Friday matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, the first time he has earned that designation this season since suffering an Achilles injury last year. The development has sparked renewed discussion about Boston's championship outlook as the forward moves into the final stages of his recovery.
Perkins addressed Tatum's potential return during the latest episode of The Road Trippin' Show, explaining that he believes Boston becomes significantly more dangerous once the All-Star forward re-enters the rotation.
"If you hear Tatum coming back you have to be scared. They're playing with house money. They have the most championship experience in the Eastern Conference. If I'm Tatum, and these five-on-fives are going well, damn it, I'm coming back. Because look every player is different. I'm not blaming it on the players, but as we all know as athletes when you get injured, as a player you "Being aware of who you are, accountability and what you do and what you put into your body speeds up the healing process."
Perkins also shared details he said came from Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell regarding Tatum's approach to rehab.
"There are two things I know about Jason Tatum: He doesn't smoke and he doesn't drink. Sam Cassel told me during this whole process that they literally had to tell him no, you can't come today. Give us Sunday off. We've been with you six days a week, twice a day. You can't come today."
Celtics call Jayson Tatum 'most dangerous team' as he nears return
Perkins concluded by emphasizing how motivated Tatum could be to see Boston continue to compete near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
"This team feels like they can go and they've got a chance. It's unexpected when you have that window. Jayson Tatum is on the outside looking in, he's eager to get back on the floor. They're the most dangerous team in the league."
Tatum finished the 2024–25 season averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, six assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point range in 72 appearances. He averaged 36.4 minutes per contest before suffering an Achilles injury during Boston's second-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks last May.
Despite Tatum's absence this season, Boston remains among the top teams in the conference. Jaylen Brown has led this effort, and has had a career-best campaign, guiding the Celtics to a 41-21 record and the No. 2 seed in the East.
Brown averaged 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, five assists and one steal per game, while shooting 48% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range in 55 games.
The Celtics will look to bounce back from Wednesday's 118-89 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when they host Dallas on Friday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN. Boston will then begin a three-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET on ABC.
With Tatum's potential return, Boston's postseason outlook could soon take another significant step forward.
