How Joe Mazzulla, Celtics' decision led to Jayson Tatum returning before NBA Playoffs

How Joe Mazzulla, Celtics' decision led to Jayson Tatum returning before NBA Playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jayson Tatum was not expected to be back playing before the NBA Playoffs. He made an insanely fast recovery and got back to play for Coach Joe Mazzulla in early March. Now, he is leading the Boston Celtics to what could be a run for a 19th banner. The superstar looked like his former self against the Philadelphia 76ers too.

What got him to do this point and was there a catalyst for his return? Apparently, it was one decision made by his head coach.

Tatum unveils Mazzulla, Celtics call to send him to G League helped a lot

A lot of stars usually just suit up and get back on the court. The Celtics were not taking any chances on that route for Jayson Tatum. Coach Joe Mazzulla and the rest of the staff made an administrative decision to send their star player to the Maine Celtics first before reuniting with the team. This singular call was the reason why Tatum deemed himself worthy of going back before the NBA Playoffs.

He outlined why this was a life-altering decision and how it helped him get ready for the NBA Playoffs, via Jay King of The Athletic.

“The day that it changed or became a real thought is when I got assigned to the G League and played, we had the scrimmage, and that was really the first time that it was like, ‘Oh, I might come back this year. And I think just periodically, just having really good days of rehab, that really boosted my confidence, whether it be how it felt, me hitting certain benchmarks two weeks earlier than I was supposed to, talking to my teammates after those scrimmages and get-ready games," Tatum declared.