If Jayson Tatum returns this season, playing like All-NBA player not realistic, insider says

A big storyline facing the Celtics this season is whether Jayson Tatum will return.

The superstar forward ruptured his Achilles in May during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.

Tatum has a return date in mind, and the Celtics have never put a concrete timeline on a potential return to game action.

During a recent episode of “The Zach Lowe Show,” the NBA insider noted the noise surrounding a return for Tatum “won’t die.” But made it clear that even if he plays at some point this season, fans can’t expect him to just return to All-Star form.

“What does he look if he came back this season?,” Lowe said. “We cannot just project like, ‘Oh, yeah, First-Team, All-NBA. Jayson Tatum is coming right in for the playoff race.’ That’s not realistic at all.”

The Celtics are 11-9 to begin the 2025-26 campaign and have surprised Lowe how well they’ve played — especially offensively.

After making sweeping changes in the offseason including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, many counted the Celtics out, especially with Tatum sidelined. But they’re seventh in the Eastern Conference.

There’s still plenty of basketball left to be played this season. But Boston won’t rush Tatum back for any reason, regardless if the team is in the playoff race or not.