Insider Hints at Imminent Jayson Tatum Return

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Jayson Tatum’s on-court return for the Boston Celtics is getting closer. The superstar forward, who has missed the entire season to date with an Achilles injury, has been ramping up his rehab in recent weeks. An early March return has been floated as the most logical timeframe for Tatum.

According to Chris Mannix, who was appearing on a March 4 episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Tatum’s return could come as soon as Friday, March 4, against the Dallas Mavericks. And, if not on Friday, then sometime in the very near future.

“I think we're getting close. I'm actually in Boston on Tatum watch right now,” Mannix said. “And every indication I've been getting is that we are getting very close. I think Friday. You don't want to put a percentage on it, but I think it's certainly in play for Jayson Tatum. And certainly if it's not Friday, it's at some point quickly after that. I think we've gone past the point of uh. Will he be back? And now it's down to when he will come back.”

During the conversation, Mannix did note that Tatum will be stepping into a team that has leaned on Jaylen Brown this season. As such, Tatum will need to figure out how he fits into the offensive system without disrupting what’s already been working for Joe Mazzulla’s team.

“And his role...I think Tatum knows coming back, he's stepping onto Jaylen Brown's team,” Mannix continued. “Brown is a top-five, top-six MVP candidate this year. He has put this team on his back offensively. Tatum's going to have to find a way to fit into that. And I think there will be an adjustment, but I ultimately think he's going to be fine. He's Jayson Tatum. He's one of the best scorers we have in the NBA. He's going to find a way to make it work.”

Boston is at its best when both Tatum and Brown are on the court. The franchise is lucky to have two of the best forwards in the NBA on the same roster. On paper, it makes the most sense for Tatum to step into a larger playmaking role as he gets back into a rhythm, while Brown continues leading the offensive line as the primary scorer.

Regardless of how bumpy Tatum’s first few games are, his presence will elevate the Celtics to a whole new level. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Celtics may find themselves being discussed as a genuine contender coming out of the Eastern Conference. That is, assuming Tatum remains healthy.

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