One of the biggest mysteries of the Boston Celtics season is whether star forward Jayson Tatum will return from his Achilles injury.
Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the Eastern Conference semi-finals in May, an injury that usually requires about a year for a full recovery.
Tatum expressed his desire to get back on the court this season, and according to WEEI’s Celtics writer Justin Turpin, he thinks Tatum could return by late February.
“By February, nine months will have passed since his Achilles rupture,” Turpin wrote on Wednesday. “And if he’s fully cleared, with no further risk, there’s a real chance we could see him back out there.”
If Tatum makes his return by late February, it signals good news for Boston. The Celtics would likely still be in the playoff race, as the coaches are unlikely to push Tatum back into action for games that don’t have much on the line.
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Tatum would have just under two months to prepare for postseason play if he returns in February. Since experts expect the Eastern Conference to be underwhelming this season, the Celtics could still have a chance to come out on top if Tatum regains his usual form by spring.
