BOSTON — The Boston Celtics are rolling in the Eastern Conference, though they hit a surprisingly impenetrable wall at TD Garden against Charlotte. The 118–89 loss was merely a bump in a strong run for Boston that had seen them win 12 of their last 15 games. The Celtics then got the best news at the best possible time with the return of Jayson Tatum. He made his season debut at TD Garden against the Dallas Mavericks, capping an extraordinary return from an Achilles rupture that happened just ten months ago. Tatum recorded an impressive stat line of 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in 27 minutes.
Jayson Tatum’s Return In Front Of Boston Crowd Leaves Three Celtics On The Outside
Tatum faced a lengthy recovery after he went down with a torn Achilles last May. Heading into the season, there were doubts about whether he would be able to play this season. Tatum always kept hope alive, refusing to rule himself out multiple times this season, though Tatum also thought about delaying his return to next season. The recently turned 28-year-old’s miraculous return was influenced by Boston’s uniquely quick response to the injury. They scheduled surgery with the world’s leading Achilles repair surgeon about 15 hours after he suffered the injury at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York.
Tatum’s September prediction turned out to be true as he returned to action against the Mavs. Joe Mazzulla handed JT a start in his return as Boston cruised to a 120–100 win. The Celtics continue to surpass even the most hopeful fans’ expectations in what was predicted to be a gap year. Despite being without Tatum—and trading away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday—the Celtics sit near the top of the Eastern Conference, with forward Jaylen Brown enjoying an MVP-caliber season. It would be unrealistic to expect Tatum to immediately return to his All-NBA form despite his extremely strong season debut today. A five-time All-NBA selection, Tatum will make an impact down the stretch even as he shakes off months of rust. After all, he made the All-NBA First Team in each of the last four seasons.
Jayson Tatum’s return gives legitimacy to the Celtics’ championship aspirations this season, though it has immediate consequences for their lineup. Here are three players who are getting a reduced role due to his return.
Sam Hauser
9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Tatum’s return was always going to more greatly affect the frontcourt for obvious reasons, and Sam Hauser was sent to the bench to make way for the superstar. He had a hot start to the season in October, making 3.5 three-pointers per game at a near 44% clip. A rough November (27.5%) brought him back down to earth. Hauser bounced back in January and February, shooting over 45% from behind the arc in the latter month. Sam Hauser was moved to the Celtics bench to make way for Tatum. He played 23 minutes of action. He had played the fourth-most minutes since the All-Star break prior to this game.
Hugo González
4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists
Hugo González has been one of the biggest revelations on this Celtics team full of success stories. The 20-year-old, who spent the last three seasons in the Spanish ACB league as a teenager, has shown immense defensive upside. Hugo’s combination of an unrelenting motor, willingness to sacrifice for the team, and elite defensive instincts has made the rookie invaluable to the C’s. He leads the team in net rating (15.4). Since the All-Star break, Hugo González’s importance to the Celtics has grown. He has averaged the eighth-most minutes on the team (18 minutes per game). Tatum’s return brought his minutes down to 20. Hugo embodies Mazzulla’s mindset, so he will continue to produce in a reduced role.
Jordan Walsh
5.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists
Jordan Walsh has been another revelation this season for the Celtics, even earning 20 starts during the campaign. Like Hugo, Walsh has built a reputation for himself as an active disruptor in the passing lanes. He knocks down three-pointers from the corner at a decent rate and grabs boards. He has shot the three-ball at an above 40% clip, though on low volume. With Tatum’s return, Jordan Walsh’s role in the Celtics rotation will further shrink as there are only so many minutes to go around at the forward position. He missed the game against Dallas due to an illness.
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