Jayson Tatum isn't playing in the All-Star game this weekend for the first time in six years, but he is still the topic of discussion amongst current and former NBA stars when it comes to a potential return to the court this season from a torn Achilles.
Jaylen Brown has been holding down the fort for the Celtics, who have the second best record in the Eastern Conference at 35-19, and pairing him with his All-Star counterpart in Tatum will only give the roster a much welcomed boost to make a deep playoff run -- even if he's on a minutes restriction as he works his way back into game shape.
While Tatum has still not stated if he's coming back this season or not, even after speaking to the media for the first time since October this past week following a practice session with the G League affiliate Maine Celtics, current and former NBA All-Stars are anticipating his return sooner rather than later.
"I expect to see All-Star level play and the same Jayson Tatum we've seen before he was injured," Rockets forward Kevin Durant said Saturday during All-Star Media Day. "And usually around this time you're playing a lot of five-on-five, playing against live bodies, just trying to get your rhythm and tempo back. So I'm looking forward to seeing him get out there with his team."
Durant, who has also gone through recovery process from a torn Achilles, knows firsthand what it takes to get back to being the same player you were prior to sustaining the injury. Despite taking more time to rehab -- missing the entire 2019-20 campaign, which was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the season was put on hold for four months before resuming in the Disney bubble -- he's also has been one of the more successful comeback stories in North American sports.
In the six season since returning from his torn Achilles, Durant has averaged 26 points or more, while being named an All-Star in each of those six years -- according to basketball-reference.
Hall-of-Fame forward Carmelo Anthony also commented on Tatum's unique situation and how much greater the Celtics' chances will increase to win the East with their star back in the fold.
"If Jayson can come back I think it scares the league because now you don't really have to focus on implementing Jayson Tatum into the actual lineup, he's going to be on limited minutes," Anthony told reporters. "So you can play him and figure out where you want to implement him in the grand scheme of things, and still allow Jaylen to continue to lead that team."
Many have speculated a return is near following Tatum's practice with the Maine Celtics this past Monday and the main roster a day later. But the All-NBA forward downplayed the sessions as nothing more than "just another step" in the recovery process.
Celtics two-way guard Ron Harper Jr., who participated in that very same G League practice and was all smiles when asked about how Tatum performed and noted that; "He looked like Jayson Tatum. I'll say that much" and the team was "excited to see him progress during his rehab."
If Tatum is planning a return soon, it would give time for him and Brown to use live-game reps and re-establish playing together in the stretch run of the regular season before a potential deep playoff run, making the Celtics a real threat to return to the NBA Finals in a wide open East.
Even if Tatum is tight-lipped about coming back this season or not, Anthony believes it isn't if he returns, but rather the when.
"It's happening. I think it's happening," Anthony said of Tatum returning. "They [the Celtics] keep their cards close to their chest. But I think we all can feel something happening there."
Joel Pavón
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