Recently, Tatum shared a video on his social media of himself playing one-on-one basketball.

On May 13th this year, Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon, yet in only seven months, he has almost completely healed, which is truly a medical marvel.

Medical doctor Jesse Morse remarked: "Tatum can come back at any time now, probably around January next year; he is fully ready.”

When Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked if Tatum could return this season, he said: "It all depends on him; health is the top priority."

So far,the Celtics without Tatum hold a strong 15-10 record, ranking third in the Eastern Conference.Once this star player returns, the team still has great potential this season, with at least a playoff berth guaranteed. During this period, Jayson Brown has averaged 29.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting nearly 50% from the field.

This season, Jayson Brown has carried the team as the sole leader, proving his worth. As the 2024 Finals MVP, there is no doubt about his value, and all previous trade rumors about him have completely vanished.

The Celtics’ strong performance without Tatum is not only due to Jayson Brown’s impressive skills but also thanks to the mature system they have built over the years. So far this season, they have the third-lowest points allowed per game at 110.8, rank second in three-pointers made per game with 15.9, and hold the third-best offensive efficiency at 121.4, among other stats.

In short, never underestimate a team with 18 NBA championships; a winning culture is deeply ingrained in their DNA.

The only teams ahead of the Celtics in the East are the Pistons with a 19-5 record and the Knicks at 17-7. Both teams are preparing to make significant moves in the upcoming trade market, aiming to showcase their talent on the Finals stage next year against the Western powerhouses.

The Pistons are targeting Anthony Davis, while the Knicks have their eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Of course, if Tatum truly returns this season and regains his previous form, the Celtics will be capable of competing with any Eastern team and still have a strong chance to break through the East.
