Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum says he had joint practice with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday. For John, this visit was the first big step home on his long road to recovery. Tatum had surgery in May to repair a right Achilles tendon that he ruptured late in last season’s playoffs. He was able to attend the event without a walking boot or brace, a huge encouraging step in his rehab journey.
Tatum registered the injury after the Celtics’ defeat to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals this past spring. This major injury has caused him to miss a year and a half on the court. He never participated in any basketball-related activities during the Patriots camp. Rather than let it derail him, he remained engaged during the game, coaching up several Patriots players and jawing with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It’s a relief to see Tatum making progress. His rehabilitation is likely to sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming NBA season. Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in early June that Tatum is doing quite well after his procedure. The group made clear that they were not going to push him to speed up the recovery timeline.
In addition to his presence at the Patriots camp, Tatum has been spotted in various social media videos working out in the weight room at the Celtics’ practice facility. These videos illustrate his commitment to maintaining fitness and strength during his recovery phase, despite being unable to participate in on-court activities.
Tatum’s commitment to each of these football and basketball communities is a testament to his character and grit to get back to elite status. He’s still in close contact with Patriots players and staff, a testament to his solid footing in Boston’s sports landscape. Even with his presumed rehabilitation obstacles, he’s still a strong apparent influence.
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