Celtics surging as Jayson Tatum progresses, but timetable still unclear

The Celtics have climbed to third in the East behind five straight wins, and star forward Jayson Tatum is back doing one-on-one work as he rehabs from his torn Achilles.

Still, head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t ready to map out a return timeline.

“It’s all up to him,” Mazzulla said, via The Athletic’s Jay King. “His health is the most important thing. His process is the most important thing. You trust him and the team around him… it all starts with where he and his team think he’s at.”

Tatum’s camp won’t be making the decision alone. Boston’s front office, medical staff, and Tatum’s own doctors will play a role in determining whether a late-season return is realistic.

For now, Mazzulla said he isn’t dwelling on the what-ifs, praising Tatum’s daily involvement despite not taking the floor.

“The only thing I care about is his presence and his leadership,” Mazzulla said. “He’s helping us get better — on the bench, in film sessions, traveling with us. He’s part of our team, and everything else comes down to him and the people around him.”

Basically, the Celtics remain in no-rush mode, even as the momentum builds.