Jayson Tatum is at a “full go” for 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Boston Celtics as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
“I’m told Jayson Tatum is a full go in 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics. Right now, it’s about him putting together a number of practices and scrimmages to build up his conditioning and increase the strength in both of his calves,” said Charania.
Charania added that Tatum must also get over the mental hurdle of trusting his right leg before returning to the Celtics’ lineup.
“An essential element right now around Jayson Tatum is the hurdle of being 100% mentally ready, of 100% confidence in that right leg,” said Charania, who added that Tatum will only return when “JT feels like JT.”
Tatum also recently participated in practices with the Maine Celtics.
Tatum is under no pressure from the Celtics to return, with the team letting Tatum decide when he feels ready to be back in the lineup.
“The Celtics will take Jayson Tatum’s lead. He’s in the driver’s seat, he’s going to be the one that makes the decision. The team has not put any pressure on him,” said Charania.
The Celtics are 38-20 on the season and are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference.