The Celtics spent much of the offseason trying to sort out their expensive roster. They got a young Anfernee Simons to provide them with a scoring option without Jayson Tatum. But they hadn’t yet completely replaced Tatum. They might have made some headway in that regard. As media attention turned away from them for a while, the Shamrocks announced a new signing.

It’s not a high-profile name. Joe Mazzulla has another young talent to shape. According to Michael Scotto, the Celtics have signed Jalen Bridges with a chance to make the final roster. “Bridges will compete for a two-way spot in training camp. Bridges was a two-way player with the Phoenix Suns last season, appearing in eight NBA games,” Scotto said in a tweet.

Bridges didn’t receive significant minutes in his 8-game stint with the Suns. He averaged 1.1 points in less than four minutes on the floor. However, he appeared regularly for the Valley Suns in the NBA G-League. And that’s where the budding forward displayed some of his potential.

Jalen Bridges played in 31 games during the G-League season. He posted strong averages of 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. A stat that might appeal to the Celtics is the former Baylor forward’s ability to stretch the floor. Bridges made 38.2% of his threes while attempting 7 threes per game.

Of course, he won’t be expected to replace Jayson Tatum. He will have to work his way to even get a roster spot. But his G-League success does make it possible for him to play that role in a limited capacity. Bridges, at 6’8”, can shoot the ball and has a rebounding prowess that can be further developed.

But speaking of Jayson Tatum, when is he expected to return?

Jayson Tatum could return this season

Typically, an Achilles tear means significant time on the sidelines. Kevin Durant missed the entire 2019-20 season due to the same injury. However, Jayson Tatum’s immediate surgery has immensely benefited him. Notably, the Speedbridge technique used during the procedure has accelerated his recovery time.

It’s a prevalent method used for NFL athletes. They return within 6-8 months. Chris Forsberg doesn’t think Tatum will return as quickly. It’s because the timelines are different for NFL and NBA athletes. Furthermore, the Celtics aren’t willing to take a risk by forcing their cornerstone to return before a full recovery.

Yet, Forsberg thinks he can return in the middle of the season.

“I think that he can be back by March. By Mar, like early March. Yeah. I, I just, I think that the quickness of the surgery… is important,” he explained. That’s almost right after the All-Star break. If the Celtics can stay in the playoff hunt, they could see Tatum back by playoff time. It’s an encouraging update for the franchise who aren’t ready to let its championship window go just yet. Until then, the Celtics can try to turn Jalen Bridges into a weapon, as he does boast a high ceiling.

Do you think Bridges will make the final roster? Let us know your views in the comments below.