Jalen Brunson Offers Major Praise For Celtics Star Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury not only had an effect on the Celtics but also the rest of the NBA.

Boston confirmed that Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon Tuesday. The Celtics naturally were shaken by the injury to their leader, and the New York Knicks also expressed sympathy for the 27-year-old.

Jalen Brunson notably opened his postgame news conference Monday to acknowledge Tatum. After the Celtics superstar’s surgery, Brunson elaborated more.

“I feel for him. It’s an unfortunate situation for a player like him,” Brunson told reporters, per SNY video. “The league needs Jayson Tatum. What he’s been able to do in his career has been remarkable. He still has a lot to do in his career, meaning a lot of time to make an impact and make a name for his legacy. What he’s done is special. So when you see a player like that go down, it’s not good for the game.”

Tatum’s injury clouds Boston’s future and impacts the Eastern Conference. New York can close out the Celtics in Game 5 at TD Garden on Wednesday, but there likely will be a feeling among players like Brunson that they would have liked to beat the C’s with Tatum on the court.