The TRUTH About Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics Comeback—What You’re Missing
People are getting it all wrong about Jayson Tatum’s potential return—here’s the real story. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal sets the record straight, explaining why Boston shouldn’t expect Tatum to immediately play at an All-NBA level or be a playoff savior. From minutes restrictions to the possibility of coming off the bench, every detail of Tatum’s recovery timeline is crucial to the Celtics’ long-term outlook rather than this year’s championship push.
We also open the mailbag. Key topics include strategic implications for Payton Pritchard, Jordan Walsh, and the evolving center rotation with Neemias Queta. Player development wins with Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet highlight Boston’s strong back-end staff, while technical free throw decisions and the search for Walsh’s perfect nickname add flavor. Get the latest on Brad Stevens’ approach, mailbag insights, and why the focus is on preparing for next season—not risking it all for this one.
1:00 Jayson Tatum Return Narratives
2:00 Tatum’s Recovery Process & Expectations
10:57 Ramping Up for Next Season
14:19 Mailbag: Tatum’s Rotation Impact
18:00 Celtics Player Development Credit
25:17 Queta as Celtics Starting Center?
31:24 Brown, Tech Free Throws & Jordan Walsh’s Nickname
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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis. It’s an inside look at the C’s from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.
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7 Comments
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Every Celtics fan should listen to this. 💯 correct about Jayson Tatum. The expectations I’m hearing and reading of the guy for this season are wild. I’ll be happy seeing him on the bench in his uniform and participating in warm ups. 💚
My div 1 hoops BF says the biggest thing for JT is not the physical, it's the mental. It's JT learning to trust his body again. I don't think any of us have delusions about this being a banner 19 year. But will the C's be a playoff seed? Sure. That will get them ready for a serious 2026-27.
Folks think he’s going to just ease right back in and immediately contribute. Not happening. Piggybacking on what Robin mentioned, mentally it’s going to take weeks if not months to feel 100% confidence wise. His explosiveness, willingness to bang bodies underneath etc will take time. But again, the east is just so weak that we can still make a playoff run. It’s simply not worth rushing Jayson back. Thanks!
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A 50% Tatum is better than White and Pritchard, this team should probably be 20-5 if they had another player that could regular give you 15 to 20 pts. No one beside Brown can create their own shot, you add Tatum into the picture and it will greatly improve the team.
If the Celtics are in the playoffs Tatum is playing