Celtics Star Tatum to Practice with G-League Team

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

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:39pm

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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 to bring him back before 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. However, the team is being cautious with his recovery to ensure he is fully healthy and to avoid disrupting the team's chemistry.

The details

Tatum was assigned to practice with the Maine Celtics on Monday as the next step in his rehabilitation process. He sustained the Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference semifinals last spring, an injury that was expected to keep him out for around a year. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said the team will not rush Tatum's return, but that he is hitting key thresholds in his recovery and getting closer to rejoining the NBA squad.

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

The players

Jayson Tatum

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

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 (kob.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, but the organization is being cautious to ensure he is fully healthy and to maintain the team's chemistry during his recovery process.