Jayson Tatum’s rehabilitation from the Achilles tendon tear he sustained during the Eastern Conference semifinals appears to be progressing positively.
The Boston Celtics star has recently been spotted walking without a protective boot and has shared multiple videos showcasing his workouts in the weight room.
In a recent episode of the “Celtics Talk” podcast, Celtics forward Jordan Walsh shared an optimistic update on Tatum’s condition. “We’ve seen him a lot,” Walsh said. “From the time he injured his Achilles to now, there’s been a major improvement. He’s moving much better. It’s great to see him making progress. Seeing him back in the gym is motivating for everyone else. If someone who’s hurt is pushing through rehab, then healthy players should be working just as hard.”
Although Tatum is still expected to miss a significant portion if not all of the upcoming season due to the severity of Achilles injuries, the quick turnaround in having surgery within 24 hours of the injury gives hope for a strong return to his All-NBA form.
Derrick White Optimistic About Celtics’ Fresh Faces Ahead of New Season
Following Jayson Tatum’s injury, the Boston Celtics have undergone significant changes, with President Brad Stevens executing several trades over the summer as part of a roster retooling. Many of the newcomers are relatively inexperienced, signaling a fresh direction for the team.
On a recent episode of the White Noise podcast, guard Derrick White shared his excitement about the new additions. He noted that most of the players are already in Boston and actively preparing for the upcoming season. “Training camp is coming, and I’ve heard pretty much everyone’s already out there, getting a head start,” White said. “We’re just out there hooping. It’s a group full of competitors.”
With numerous changes to the lineup and playing style, head coach Joe Mazzulla faces a challenging task in keeping the Celtics competitive amid the roster shakeup.
Derrick White Anticipates Strategic Shift for Younger Celtics Roster
In the same episode of the White Noise podcast, Derrick White acknowledged that the Boston Celtics are likely to adopt a new approach this season due to major roster changes. With key players like Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and potentially Jayson Tatum and Al Horford no longer in the mix, White emphasized the need for adjustment.
“It’s definitely going to be different. It has to be,” White said. “We lost KP, Jrue, Luke, and obviously JT being out. So, you lose three out of five starters. And even Al. So it’s definitely going to change. We’re a younger team.”
Given the younger, more athletic roster, Boston may look to increase their tempo, possibly inspired by the Indiana Pacers’ recent success with a fast-paced style. There’s also speculation that head coach Joe Mazzulla could steer away from the team’s recent emphasis on three-point shooting, leaning more into a slashing, downhill offensive game to match the skill sets of the new players.
As Brad Stevens continues to reshape the team, the development of these younger additions will be closely watched to determine who fits into the Celtics’ long-term vision.
