Brad Stevens, regarding Tatum's return: "He makes any team better, but we're not going to pressure him"
The Celtics' GM doesn't want their star to feel obligated to return early from his Achilles injury
In the Boston Celtics, there is a clear message to Jayson Tatum: there is no urgency to rush his return. This was made clear by Brad Stevens, GM of the Massachusetts franchise, when referring to the small forward's recovery process.
"Obviously, any team with Jayson Tatum will be better," stated Stevens. "If necessary, I will tell him every day. Because all 30 teams in the league would be much better with him."
Tatum was the standout player during the team's 18th championship and also the driving force behind the team at the start of the last postseason, until an Achilles tendon rupture in the Eastern semifinals against the Knicks abruptly ended his season.
A competitive team even without its leader
The summer hinted at a possible transition for Boston with the trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, moves aimed at easing the luxury tax burden. However, the Celtics have continued to compete at a high level and approached the trade deadline positioned near the top of the Eastern Conference.
This strong collective performance has led Tatum to internally reflect on how his return would fit into a group that has already established its own identity.
"It's something I think about every day," admitted the six-time All-Star. "They have played about 50 games without me and have been successful. So, I wonder how everything will look when I return from an injury. Sometimes I think: 'Should I come back now or should I wait?'."
Stevens understands the doubts, but does not share them
The executive asserted that he has not perceived real insecurity from his star, beyond the normal sentiments of any player undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation.
"Those things cross everyone's mind," Stevens commented with a chuckle. "In our conversations, he strongly believes he can help and enhance the team."
From the organization, they insist that the process will be managed without external pressures.
"He has been meeting all the necessary steps, doing more and more, and will continue to progress," Stevens explained. "There is no rush on our part. When he's ready, he'll be ready."
The priority remains having Tatum at one hundred percent
Stevens concluded by making the franchise's stance clear regarding their top player:
"The best thing for Jayson is to return when he's at 110%, with everyone's approval and completely at ease. That is the goal. Nothing else matters".
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Brad Stevens, sobre el regreso de Tatum: "Hace mejor a cualquier equipo, pero no le vamos a presionar"