Celtics Star Tatum to Practice with G-League Team

All-Star forward takes step toward return from torn Achilles injury

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum will practice with the team's G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon sustained last spring. Tatum, who led the Celtics to a championship in 2024, is expected to rejoin the NBA team soon, though the organization says there is no rush and they will wait until he is fully ready.

Why it matters

Tatum's return could provide a major boost to the Celtics, who currently have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. The team has managed well in his absence, but adding an All-Star caliber player like Tatum back into the lineup could help propel them to a deep playoff run.

The details

Tatum was assigned to practice with the Maine Celtics on Monday as part of his rehab process. The organization says he will be immediately recalled to the NBA team and continue his recovery, with no set timeline for his return to game action. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens emphasized there is no pressure to rush Tatum back, and the team will wait until he is fully ready.

  • Tatum sustained the torn Achilles injury in the Eastern Conference semifinals last spring.
  • Tatum was assigned to practice with the Maine Celtics on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics All-Star forward who led the team to a championship in 2024 before suffering a torn Achilles injury.

Brad Stevens

President of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, overseeing Tatum's recovery and return to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, any team with Jayson Tatum's going to be better. If he needs it, I'll tell him every day. Because every team -- all 30 of us -- would be way, way better with him on the team.”

— Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, Boston Celtics (wral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Tatum's return to the Celtics could provide a major boost to the team's championship aspirations, as the All-Star forward was a key part of their title run in 2024. The organization is taking a cautious approach to his recovery, prioritizing Tatum's full health over rushing him back to the court.