Jayson Tatum Offers Celtics Fans Reason to Believe

Thankfully, though, Tatum offered reason to believe during a slew of recent media appearances, suggesting his intention is to join his teammates on the hardwood at some point this season. When you add that kind of weapon to a team that, in all likelihood, should have little trouble remaining relevant in a not-so-intimidating Eastern Conference, who knows what can happen.

“I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” Tatum, the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, told ESPN. “The most important thing is a full recovery, not rushing it at all. But also, I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.”

Remember 2017?

Unlike this year, the Celtics headed into the 2017-18 NBA season as confident as ever with a new-look roster. The team had sealed deals during the offseason to bring superstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to Boston, pairing them with the likes of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Al Horford.

Talk about a starting lineup.

The problem, though, is that that lineup lasted mere minutes, as Hayward fractured his ankle early in the first quarter of Boston’s season opener trying to reel in an alley-oop pass from Irving. The collective dreams of Celtics fans, for an entire season no less, were shattered with Hayward’s ankle, and all hope was seemingly lost. A feeling likely familiar to fans for much of this offseason, as well.

There’s A Point Here

To the surprise of many, however, Boston rallied. The Celtics, seemingly relieved by the lack of expectations now on their collective shoulders, gelled as a unit and fought their way to a second-place finish in a then jam-packed conference. Better yet, with Hayward still sidelined, Boston ended up holding a 2-0 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals before eventually falling to their rival.

The point is that Tatum can possibly work his way back by the time the playoffs roll around. That would be a mighty nice addition to a team that, presumably, figured things out and formed some bonds in his absence. Who knows what could have happened with a healthy Hayward in the 2017-18 season?

End Of My Jayson Tatum Rant

As Tatum told ESPN, the most important thing — for himself and Celtics fans — is his full recovery. He absolutely should not be rushed.

Given his own words, though, it would be hard to fault anyone for feeling a bit more uplifted ahead of Boston’s regular-season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers next month than they otherwise would have.

Brown, an All-NBA player in his own right, and Derrick White will have their work cut out for them. If the Celtics can keep their heads above water long enough, well, there’s no telling what can happen.