Baylor Scheierman on Jayson Tatum Celtics return: It was great for us

BOSTON — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum had a long road back to playing basketball again. After rupturing his right Achilles almost a year ago during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Tatum missed 62 regular-season games before finally returning to action on March 6, 2026. However, it wasn't a storybook ending, as the six-time All-Star participated in Boston's most recent playoff run until he was forced to sit for Game 7 of the first round due to tightness in his left knee. With Tatum out, the Celtics were unable to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden, resulting in the Green Team's earliest exit from the postseason since 2021. Although things were far from perfect, Celtics wing Baylor Scheierman was appreciative of the fact that Tatum came back at all. "I think it's a credit to Jayson," Scheierman said during his Sunday afternoon exit interview at the Auerbach Center. "I mean you go through that type of injury, and for him to just work his (expletive) off to get back and to be playing at the level that he was, it was great for us." After being shelved for 66 regular-season games in total, Tatum still managed to average 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in the playoffs. The 28-year-old was arguably the best player for the Celtics during that critical stretch, too, which bodes well for next season when he's closer to full strength. "Looking forward to next year, he has the offseason now to continue to get even stronger than he's been," Scheierman stated. "And, obviously, us as players look forward to having him back with us at the start of next year, for the whole year." Even when Tatum wasn't playing he was helping the Celtics. Scheierman and a few other less experienced Green Teamers heeded his advice over the course of the season and benefitted from his presence in meetings, on team flights, and on the sidelines. "He was around all year and he was a part of helping us grow, especially us young guys," Scheierman said. "And so that part we can't ever take for granted." Scheierman was one of the Celtics' latest developmental success stories. The NBA sophomore averaged a career-high 5.5 points per outing, sat for just 5 games in the regular season, and shot an impressive 39.9 percent from deep. The 25-year-old still has some growing to do, but Boston could use him next year as a backup wing behind Tatum. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire:  iTunes:  YouTube:  *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Baylor Scheierman applauds Jayson Tatum for coming back this season*