Jayson Tatum comeback: Celtics rivals react to potential return

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Jayson Tatum comeback: Celtics rivals react to potential return

Souichi Terada · MassLive

Sun, Feb 15, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Celtics have been one of the best teams in the East this season. They’re 35-19, good for second in the East, plus Jayson Tatum could be back on the court soon. The latest Tatum update was that he practiced with the Celtics’ G League affiliate , the Maine Celtics, back on Feb. 9.

That means the Celtics, the 2024 champions, could get back Tatum sometime this season. Tatum himself was noncommittal on a return this year , but the possibility is certainly there. Celtics rivals reacted to that possibility as part of the NBA’s All-Star festivities this week.

“Obviously seeing him go down last year, it sucks to see,” Knicks star Jalen Brunson said. “You never want to see that from anyone in any sport. The fact that he’s worked so hard to get where he is and is preparing a comeback is a testament to who he is. Basketball fans are definitely excited to see his comeback.”

The Knicks figure to be one of the Celtics’ main rivals if they meet in the playoffs. New York knocked off Boston in the East semifinals last year, and the Knicks are going all-in this season. Tatum also ruptured his Achilles against the Knicks last year last May. New York is currently 35-20, just behind the Celtics in the standings.

The current first-place team in the East is Detroit , enjoying a breakout season. The Pistons are young and unproven, but they have a physical defense that should fit right into the playoffs. They’re led by a pair of All-Stars in Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren .

“Obviously he’s a Hall of Fame-type player, so he’s going to definitely help them a lot,” Cunningham said of Tatum. “But you know, we’re just going to run our race. We like where we’re at and we’re going to continue to try to finish our season strong.”

If Tatum does return this year, there will be naturally be a ramp-up period. It wouldn’t be fair to expect him at his All-NBA self right away considering the lengthy layoff and injury. But if he can even be 80% of himself, that should help the Celtics significantly to have them as a playoff threat.

“I expect to see All-Star level play and the same Jayson Tatum we’ve seen before he was injured,” Kevin Durant said. “Usually around this time, you’re playing a lot of five-on-five, playing against live bodies. Just trying to get your rhythm and tempo back. So I’m looking forward to seeing him get out there with his team.”

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