NBA stars, legends weigh in on possible Jayson Tatum return

Jayson Tatum isn’t taking part in in All-Star weekend for the primary time in six years, however he’s nonetheless getting consideration on the occasion as his potential return might shake up the again half of the NBA season.

Jaylen Brown has Boston barreling in the direction of the playoffs, at the moment in possession of the second seed within the East. And a Brown-Tatum duo has been scary within the postseason for plenty of years now.

So, whereas Tatum remains to be coy about whether or not he’ll return from his Achilles harm this season or not, NBA stars of previous and current are commenting on his unconfirmed however extremely anticipated season debut.

“I anticipate to see All-Star degree play and the identical Jayson Tatum we’ve seen earlier than he was injured,” Rockets ahead Kevin Durant stated throughout All-Star availability. “And often round this time you’re taking part in a whole lot of 5-on-5, taking part in towards reside our bodies, simply attempting to get your rhythm and tempo again.

“So I’m trying ahead to seeing him get on the market together with his crew.”

Durant went by an Achilles rehab of his personal, so he understands firsthand what that course of entails. And whereas Durant took added time in his restoration — lacking all the season after he tore his Achilles — he’s additionally one of many greater success tales of NBA gamers getting back from the harm.

Durant has played six seasons since his Achilles injury and has but to complete a season averaging fewer than 26 factors per recreation. He’s additionally been named an All-Star in every of these years.

NBA Corridor of Fame ahead Carmelo Anthony additionally weighed in on Tatum’s scenario with a singular perspective on what would make his return so harmful for the Celtics.

“If Jayson can come again I believe it scares the league as a result of now you don’t actually must concentrate on implementing Jayson Tatum into the precise lineup, he’s going to be on restricted minutes,” Anthony informed reporters. “So you possibly can play him and determine the place you wish to implement him within the grand scheme of issues, and nonetheless permit Jaylen to proceed to steer that crew.”

Tatum was in a position to get extra vital apply reps in latest weeks, together with a while in Maine with the Celtics’ G League affiliate. Ron Harper Jr. was excited about the way he looked at this stage in his rehab.

If Tatum does return within the subsequent few weeks, it might give him time to search out his rhythm taking part in in reside recreation conditions, and in addition assist Boston re-establish its identification as a crew with each Tatum and Brown on the court docket on this iteration of the Celtics.

However no matter what his minutes appear to be, Tatum’s return will make the Celtics a critical playoff menace. And to Anthony, it’s not an if, however a when.

“It’s taking place. I believe it’s taking place,” Anthony stated of Tatum returning. “They [the Celtics] preserve their playing cards near their chest. However I believe all of us can really feel one thing taking place there.”