NBA Legends Weigh In on Celtics' Jayson Tatum Injury Return

Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller discuss the dilemma facing the Celtics as Tatum nears his return from an Achilles injury.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Several NBA legends and commentators, including Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller, have weighed in on the Boston Celtics' dilemma regarding Jayson Tatum's return from an Achilles injury. The Celtics are currently second in the Eastern Conference despite Tatum missing most of the season, leading to questions about whether they should bring him back for the playoffs or wait until next season.

Why it matters

The Celtics' decision on Tatum's return could have significant implications for their playoff chances and the long-term health of their star player. Bringing Tatum back too soon could risk further injury, but keeping him out may mean missing an opportunity to contend for a championship this season.

The details

Tatum, a six-time NBA All-Star, suffered an Achilles injury during the Celtics' playoff series with the Knicks last year. The Celtics had expected to take a gap year with Tatum missing most, if not all, of the current season. However, with the Celtics currently second in the East and Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP level, there is a sense that the team may want to bring Tatum back sooner rather than later to make a playoff push.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury during the Celtics' playoff series with the Knicks last year.
  • The Celtics had expected Tatum to miss most, if not all, of the current season.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star for the Boston Celtics who is nearing his return from an Achilles injury.

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who is having an MVP-caliber season in Tatum's absence.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has guided the team to a strong start despite Tatum's injury.

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What they’re saying

“If he's healthy enough to come back and play, then you play him. This is about saving the championship window. If they can do it, bring him back and play him limited minutes so he can get in game shape. If you have one of the best players in this league that's ready to come back, is putting in the work and dotting all the 'Is' and crossing all the 'Ts,' then why not bring him back?”

— Carmelo Anthony, NBA Legend and Color Commentator (heavy.com)

“If you had told me at the start of the season that the Celtics would be a few games out of first place, I wouldn't believe it. I knew they had talent without Jayson. But the way Jaylen Brown is playing, he's playing at an MVP level. Coach [Joe] Mazzulla should get serious consideration for Coach of the Year with how he has entrusted his bench. Because they're playing so well, does Tatum possibly coming back mess up the rhythm of a team that has gelled? If you can add an All-NBA first-teamer?”

— Reggie Miller, NBA Legend and Color Commentator (heavy.com)

What’s next

The Celtics will need to carefully evaluate Tatum's progress and readiness to return, balancing the potential short-term benefits of his return with the long-term risk of further injury.

The takeaway

The Celtics' decision on Tatum's return highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between prioritizing the health of their star players and seizing opportunities to contend for a championship. The input from NBA legends like Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller underscores the complexity of this dilemma facing the Celtics.