Andy Bailey Describes What Celtics Will Look Like Once Jayson Tatum Returns
The Boston Celtics‘ success this season is all the more exhilarating for fans knowing that Jayson Tatum might return before the end of the campaign.
But what will the Celts look like if and when JT does come back? Bleacher Report’s NBA writer Andy Bailey wrote about this recently.
“If (Tatum) has enough time to get his legs under him before the playoffs and is even 90 percent of the player he was prior to the ruptured Achilles, Boston is going to be a nightmare for other Eastern Conference contenders like the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons,” Bailey wrote on January 1.
“Just imagine 25-30 of the minutes currently going to Josh Minott, Jordan Walsh or other young forwards shifting to Tatum,” Bailey continued. “The talent upgrade will feel massive. The same goes for the residual effects.”
“Having Tatum on the court will give shooters like Simons, White and Pritchard precious extra time on catch-and-shoot opportunities,” Bailey added. “He’ll juice their rebounding. He’ll take pressure off of Brown. In short, Boston could be adding a perennial All-NBA forward to a team that’s already on pace for 50-plus wins. And that will be enough to make a return trip to the NBA Finals.”
Tatum entered the NBA as the third overall pick in 2017, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone for the Celtics. Over eight seasons, he has averaged 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, earning six All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, and contributing to a championship in 2024. His scoring prowess and defensive versatility have made him one of the league’s best players.
In the 2024-25 season, Tatum posted 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-high 6.0 assists per game across 72 appearances, while leading the NBA with 250 three-pointers made. His postseason ended abruptly with a torn Achilles during the playoffs against the Knicks in May 2025, forcing immediate surgery.
Tatum has reportedly been attacking rehab with an obsessive mindset. The Celtics, 21-12 so far without him, have benefited from MVP-type play from Jaylen Brown, who is having a career year.