Why Jayson Tatum is UNSURE about returning | Gordon Hayward memories?
Boston Celtics face a critical turning point as Jayson Tatum weighs the timing and impact of his return from injury. Will his comeback disrupt the team’s chemistry or propel them to greater heights? John Karalis of Sports Illustrated’s Celtics On SI and Tom Westerholm debate whether Tatum’s re-entry can be a positive disruption and reflect on lessons from the Gordon Hayward era. The hosts break down Joe Mazzulla’s comments on progress, locker room stability, and how Tatum’s absence has allowed Jaylen Brown to shine as an MVP candidate.
Key talking points include Brown’s mid-range struggles, the toll of a grueling schedule, and whether fatigue or regression threatens Boston’s momentum before the All-Star break. Plus, the duo analyze the remaining schedule and speculate on how a refreshed roster could alter playoff prospects. Can the Celtics integrate Tatum smoothly and reignite their championship push?
0:00 Tatum’s Injury Drama
1:48 Tatum’s Cautious Approach
4:48 Hayward Comparison & Team Dynamics
11:11 Fan Narratives: Tatum vs. Brown
16:10 Joe Mazzulla on Tatum Return
26:21 Celtics’ Pre-Break Outlook
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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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22 Comments
My take is Tatum is just trying to walk back his statement that he would be back game 50-60 and at the same time lower the expectations on his level of play when he returns. I still think he believes he will be back at some point this year.
I would tell him to talk to PG I always compared Tatum to Paul George.
I believe he wants to be "Jayson Tatum" when he returns. He doesn't want to be 75%. He wants to be 100%.
All these tiny well meaning but anything but thoughtful schemes mean nothing. Tatum will come back when he is ready. It does not have anything to do with your words. Celtics, trade for a good big NOW
These AI ads are getting out of hand
it was brad's fault for putting haywood in the starting lineup when he came back
I think Tatum does not want to take the heat if he comes back and the team starts losing. The personal they have is so different snd they play a different style of basketball since Tatum got injured.
Pretty obvious he’s coming back and this is all clickbait as you just must know.
☘️☘️👊
Always nice to see the dynamic pod duo
An injury is a blessing in disguise this is a huge chamce for tatum to evolve his game into a lower impact possibly less usage find strengths he didnt know he had and find different ways to take the oace into a different direction especially with brown who has done a phenomenal job slowing down and allowing for extra pff ball screens to force open space and i have full faith and tatum and brown to take a surgical approach to half court basketball
Is blue sky on the internet?
I don't think its going to be any better for you. sadly.
Not for nothing, I think most of us want to be understood. Then you have some people… 😒
Yes the boys ☘️ need to rest it's to cold lately I would just to stay inside 😊💚😎
Who loses minutes if Tatum comes back.
I’m less worried about JT returning than I am Jaylen starting to burnout. He has started to see many important stats decrease. He is driving the ball less, creating less potential assists, settling for worse shots.
I think a game off here and there isn’t such a bad idea
He is the most important player. HE IS THE BEST PLAYER. Karalis really can’t help it. He just refuses to call the best player (by a lot) THE BEST PLAYER.
Reallllllly !! I think He is a typical Superstar He probably is s getting his feelings huurt by HIMself! 😂 Watching them succeed sooo highly without him.! I actually think it’s showing maybe His confidence isnt back to normal… Thats to be expected with that kind of injury!! But He NEEEDS to SEE that this was a Blessing For HIM as well!!! This unlocked JB!!!! Now Tatum comes back They should keep same style and just Addd Tatum to it!!!! They are without a Doubt better WITH Tatum! just think him being Out is Gonna even Make HIM better as well!!! Because Of THAT element!! His team has had the TIme to evolve closer to Him!!
Pppl are crazzzzy to think these things!! Its literally like a Trade at half way mark!!! Like i keeep saying THIS year ONLY you play him as Al Horford in final seasons with us!
I also think ppl forget that adding tatum is adding an elite playmakerrebounder… Like wow isnt THAT what this team is missing right now lol
Now Talking basketball!!!🏀 How the Helll is the League going to Guard THAT Offense THO !!! PP white Brown Tatum SIMONs Hauser!!!???? 😂😂😂😂😂 Im readddddy!!! Bannner 19 baby!!!!
Dont Sweat it John!! Your killing it! Thank You for the show! I enjoy and appreciate your content!