Celtics’ Jayson Tatum returns to controlled 5-on-5 work

Jayson Tatum is making progress, but the Celtics remain in no rush.

Appearing on NBA Countdown, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an update on Tatum’s recovery from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered during last spring’s playoffs.

According to Charania, Tatum has reached an important checkpoint.

“Jayson Tatum has started controlled five-on-five scrimmaging with coaches,” Charania said. “He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn. There are more boxes for Jayson Tatum to check. He’s got to practice with the team.”

That part matters. As Keith Smith of Spotrac noted, full practices are rare during the season, meaning Tatum’s next likely step would be scrimmaging against end-of-bench players before any broader integration is considered.

Tatum has already acknowledged the uncertainty. Late last month, he said he was undecided on whether a return this season is realistic.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens echoed that caution recently, stressing there will be no shortcuts.

“The best time for Jayson Tatum to come back is when he’s 110 percent healthy,” Stevens said. “Fully cleared by everybody that matters and with great peace of mind.”

Charania reinforced that message Sunday.

“Tatum wants to come back as close to Jayson Tatum as possible,” he said. “Not a shell. Not a lesser version.”