Celtics Rumors: Stein Hints at Tatum's Injury Return 'Conspiracy'

Basketball writer Marc Stein suggests Tatum may target Celtics' NBC-televised games for his comeback.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:47pm

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According to veteran NBA writer Marc Stein, there is a 'conspiracy theory' that Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum may time his return from an Achilles tear to coincide with the team's games that will be broadcast on NBC. Tatum has been sidelined since sustaining the injury during the playoffs last May. Meanwhile, media personality Bill Simmons believes Tatum could return as early as this Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it matters

Tatum's return is highly anticipated, as he is a key player for the Celtics, who currently hold the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. His absence has been felt, and his comeback could provide a significant boost to the team's playoff push.

The details

Tatum, a 6-time NBA All-Star and 2-time Olympic gold medalist, sustained an Achilles tear during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks last May. He finished the 2021-22 season averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. The Celtics have won 8 of their last 10 games without Tatum, who has been with the team since being drafted 3rd overall out of Duke in 2017.

  • Tatum sustained the Achilles tear during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks last May.
  • Tatum could potentially return as early as this Friday, March 3, against the Dallas Mavericks, according to media personality Bill Simmons.
  • The Celtics have games scheduled on NBC on March 10 (at San Antonio) and March 22 (home against Minnesota), which is when Marc Stein believes Tatum may target for his return.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A 6-time NBA All-Star and 2-time Olympic gold medalist with the Boston Celtics, who has been sidelined since sustaining an Achilles tear during the playoffs last May.

Marc Stein

A veteran basketball writer who has suggested a 'conspiracy theory' that Tatum may time his return to coincide with the Celtics' games that will be broadcast on NBC.

Bill Simmons

A media personality who believes Tatum could return as early as this Friday, March 3, against the Dallas Mavericks.

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What they’re saying

“PPS — Boston has games on NBC on March 10 (at San Antonio) and March 22 (home against Minnesota) if you buy the conspiracy theory that Jayson Tatum wants to make his comeback from an Achilles' tear on the network that has been running extended behind-the-scenes coverage of his rehab.”

— Marc Stein, Basketball Writer

What’s next

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The takeaway

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