Jayson Tatum is attacking his rehab in commendable fashion. His discipline and approach to his recovery have earned him praise from the Boston Celtics' organization.
His vulnerability has also provided access to his mindset, as he pushes through the mental challenges that come from dealing with a torn Achilles tendon. Tatum's mentality as he deals with an injury that he is determined not to let define him is as honest as it is exemplary.
As the six-time All-Star works his way back to the hardwood, he has vowed to remain present and involved with the Celtics this season. A man of his word, there was never a reason to question if he would make good on that declaration.
Tatum is present at practices, joins the team on road trips, and is like having another coach on Boston's bench.
"Everybody has different leadership responsibilities. Everybody leads in different ways. He's done a great job," said head coach Joe Mazzulla after a recent practice at the Auerbach Center. "Obviously, his ability to lead on the court has been taken away. He's done a great job leading off the court.
"One, with the work ethic of his recovery. But at the same time, the individual relationships that he's building, being on the bench, having those communications – whether it's in practice or in-game, that's been invaluable to the locker room."
It's a demonstration of leadership that Tatum's teammates appreciate.
Despite his injury, Jayson Tatum is making a difference
Staying involved, rather than recovering in the distance, has kept Tatum connected to the Celtics. That's likely boosting his spirits as he rehabs. As he stays attached, he is able to impart his wisdom to a roster suddenly filled with younger players eager to make their mark in the league. It's a demonstration of leadership appreciated by all, including his star running mate.
"He's been super active. He's been around. It's been dope to see," voiced Jaylen Brown a day before Boston's 121-118 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. "He's been engaged. He's been on the majority of every flight. He's been to almost every film session. That level of dedication, you can tell, he's eager to get back. A lot of guys that know they've got an extended amount of time, they're going to separate themselves mentally for a little bit or whatever. He's been there. He's been like an extra coach, almost, in a sense. So, it's been kind of cool to see."
During games, such as Sunday's victory on the TD Garden parquet, Tatum will lend his counsel from the sideline. He also has one-on-one sessions during breaks in the action, offering teammates his insight and perspective.
Payton Pritchard on going over to talk with Jayson Tatum at times during games:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) November 17, 2025
“He has a great mind for the game, so I’ll occasionally go over and ask him what he sees. It’s always great to have a teammate like that.” pic.twitter.com/HRCovmBGXt
"He has a great mind for the game, so I'll occasionally go over and ask him what he sees," shared Payton Pritchard after the Celtics' victory over the Clippers. "It’s always great to have a teammate like that."
After joking that Tatum is "just annoying me," Derrick White more candidly discussed Tatum’s impact while on the bench. "Obviously, a great basketball mind," he stated. "It's always great to have someone like that, where you can bounce ideas off of and see what he's seeing."
Tatum's presence and knowledge have benefitted younger teammates, like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez, and veterans, like Pritchard and White. It's a form of leadership that is helping one side to get through the most trying ordeal of his basketball life, while aiding those whose growth can help Tatum and the Celtics return to the NBA mountaintop.