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Former Boston Celtics champion warns vital error could be made playing Jayson Tatum in the playoffs, ‘Just watch…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 6:00 PM ET

After tearing his Achilles tendon in the playoffs last season, some signs point to Jayson Tatum making an earlier recovery than expected, although a former Boston Celtics player doesn’t think that would be a good idea.

After finishing last season with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics were favored to win the Conference for the second season in a row, although, in the second round, Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon, dashing any remaining hopes the Celtics had.

Usually, such an injury takes about a year to recover from, and it was not initially expected that he would entertain returning next season. However, recent reports have suggested that Tatum is making a speedy recovery, and he might be able to help Boston’s bid to make the playoffs once again.

However, one former player and Celtics’ cult hero doesn’t think Tatum returning would be a good idea.

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Jayson Tatum urged not to return this season by Brian Scalabrine

Tatum has already been seen walking both in and out of a boot, suggesting to fans that he could be back in action in time to participate in a playoff race.

However, Brian Scalabrine was quick to remind fans that early-season basketball in October and November is vastly different from the fast-paced, physical game at the end of the regular season.

Basically, the risk of re-injury later in the season is much higher.

“Just watch a playoff game and watch a preseason game, and there are so many levels in between getting thrown back into the middle of a race,” outlined Scalabrine. “That is not ideal for your Achilles before your body there. It needs to be some buildup.”

Of course, not every Achilles injury is equal, and there is a chance that Tatum’s is less severe than most, and he could be at full health by the time the spring rolls around. Even so, with a long career still ahead of him, unnecessary risk is just that: unnecessary.

“You want to just throw him back out there? It sounds dangerous to me,” he finished. “NBA basketball in October does not look like NBA basketball in April.”

Boston Celtics expected to be in playoff race even without Jayson Tatum

While Tatum is the best player on the Celtics, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown are legitimate stars, and Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard are all proven role players.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks should be better than Boston, and the Bucks, Hawks, and Magic all revamped their roster, although the Celtics boast championship experience and a successful model on both ends of the ball.

While Brown and White are missing a key piece, Boston seemed content on this upcoming season being a “down year,” which could still mean lasting playoff success, so risking Tatum’s career is not worth it.

“Even if it bothers Jayson Tatum and it disappoints the fans, the right decision might be not playing at all this year,” added insider Chris Forsberg.

By the 2026-27 season, the Celtics’ core will be back intact, and the upcoming season is expected to be a lone forgettable season in the midst of an incredible run.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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