Back in September, appearing on ESPN’s First Take, Jayson Tatum confidently stated, “I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing,” signaling the remarkable progress he’s made in recovering from the Achilles injury that ended his 2024–25 season. A recent video on his YouTube channel backed that up—first showing him taking light shots and doing drills, and now, throwing down dunks just five months after suffering an injury that has derailed many careers. When asked about Tatum’s recovery, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla offered insight into how the organization is approaching their star’s return.

Before the preseason game between the Celtics and the Raptors today, Mazzulla said, “Uh, I mean, doesn’t make me any more optimistic or pessimistic. It just is what it is. He’s doing a great job, on and off the court, with his leadership and attacking every day, and whatever is necessary, he gives that day,” highlighting Tatum’s dedication to getting back to full strength and professional approach.

Mazulla also emphasized the importance of day-to-day involvement with the team activities and preparation. “Whether it’s a rest day, whether it’s a get-back day, you know. So I’m more, uh, that stuff will take care of itself,” he said, highlighting Tatum’s focus on recovery over anything else.

“The thing that’s important to me is he’s here with us constantly. He’s traveling. He’s in film sessions. He’s at shootarounds and practices, and, uh, you know, he’s getting better in that regard as well,” Mazzulla added, and showed just how Tatum has connected with the team. Even tonight, he was present courtside at the game, supporting the Celtics as they took on their preseason opponent.

Tatum knows what’s at stake, “The most important thing is a full recovery. 100 percent. Not rushing at all.” said the 2024 NBA Champion. And speaking of champion- living and bleeding Boston’s heritage, his mindset is fully aligned with the Celtics’ priorities, “With being a part of the organisation and the Celtics—there is a standard that we play to, that we uphold.”

The All-Star added, “Regardless of, you know, who we have in the lineup, who is on the team and who is not. There is a sense of pride that we have when we put that uniform on, and we always are competing to win a championship and that standard will not change.”  

Effectively dismissing any notion that the Celtics would not be in the hunt for title number 19- despite the injury setbacks and the roster overhaul. Spearheaded by their Former Finals MVP in Jaylen Brown.

Tatum himself has stayed mentally engaged, and has been transparent with fans throughout his recovery timeline. In the video posted to his YouTube channel, he spoke directly to the fans, highlighting how much the support has helped him:

“I just want everybody to know, man, I appreciate the love and support. It’s been a long journey, but I’m working my tail off to get back to get healthy. For the love of the game, obviously, and then for the fans that support me and the team.”

Mike Zarren Explains How Offseason Trades Shape Boston’s Future

While Joe Mazzulla’s reaction caught attention before the game, a comment by Celtics executive Mike Zarren drew eyes afterwards. During the NBCS Boston broadcast, Zarren briefly was on air, and he reflected on trades made by the team previously, explaining that, “When we traded for Malcolm Brogdon three years ago and then Jrue Holiday the year after that, we sort of knew there was a window on this with the rules that were coming along, the various aprons.”

Boston was aware that maintaining financial flexibility remained crucial for their long-term operation. Zarren noted that this off-season’s moves were made primarily to bring the team under the first and second aprons, letting them create room for future decisions.

“The situation was, in order to have the flexibility to put us back where we were, we’ve got to get back underneath the second apron and the first apron, potentially the first apron. Long term, I’m not talking about right now,” he explained.

Zarren stressed that this dismantling was important to the future of the organization, and that the Celtics needed to make tough decisions, regardless of how they felt about it.

“We approached the summer knowing that was something we had signed up for three years earlier, so we had to make some trades. It wasn’t fun,” he admitted. The team’s current roster makeup is a part of a larger strategy to maintain flexibility while Jayson Tatum recovers.