Celtics’ Jaylen Brown thinks Jayson Tatum could make return this season

Count Celtics Star Jaylen Brown among those who aren’t ruling out a late-season return for Jayson Tatum.

Brown expressed confidence this week that his longtime teammate could make it back from an Achilles tear sooner than expected, speaking during a livestream with DDG, as relayed by Souichi Terada of MassLive.

“JT just always recovers,” Brown said. “He always recovers. … He’ll probably break the record for fastest recovery in Achilles history or some (expletive). I wouldn’t put it past him.”

The Celtics, for their part, have been cautious publicly, avoiding any firm timelines and stressing that Tatum won’t return until he’s fully cleared.

Still, Brown’s comments reflect the belief inside the locker room that Tatum’s work ethic and track record matter here, even if history says Achilles recoveries usually require patience.

Brown wasn’t on the floor Saturday night in Toronto, sitting out with a non-COVID illness. He was coming off one of his best all-around performances of the season, posting 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 35 minutes on Friday.

Whether or not Tatum ultimately returns this season remains an open question. But inside Boston, it’s clear the door hasn’t been shut.