Missed almost the entire season with a torn Achilles Jason Tatum “a completely different outlook” for this year’s training camp, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe writes in the article only for subscribers. Twelve months ago, Tatum was working mostly on his own while rehabbing from surgery. He has just been cleared to start light running while trying to regain strength in his right leg.
Tatum’s recovery is complete as he prepares to begin his 10th NBA season. Washburn says he has regained his explosiveness to the basket, as well as his confidence, and is ready to take back primary scoring duties from Jaylen Brown no longer listed.
“Last year was really hard for me” Tatum said. “I remember those days of training camp (last year) and I was in the gym the whole time watching the team practice. It was just hard to digest and go through. So now, being on that side and knowing what it’s like to watch all the time. It’s a different level of appreciation to be a part of everything and the game that I love with my teammates, it’s a different type of joy that I feel now than in the first eight seasons.”
More on the Celtics:
- coach Joe Mazzula he’s known for pushing his players, but he admits there are limitations with a more fragile squad this season, Washburn said in a separate story. Among the offseason additions is the 36-year-old Pavel Georgewho has played 78 games over the past two seasons, and Mitchell Robinsonwho has had various injuries in the past four years. “It’s not like we come in and tell guys they have to play 82 games or make it the standard.” Mazula said. “One thing since I’ve been here, we’ve always trusted the competitive nature of our guys. If guys can play, they’ll play, even if they feel like they can’t, they’ll still try their best to play. As long as we’re holding that standard, if we’re doing our best to show up every night, that’s more important to me than anything else.”
- Luka Garza performed well with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in 27 minutes in Boston’s preseason opener Thursday night MassLive’s Suichi Terada. The Robinson signing suggests Garza will be the third center, but he’s ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come his way. In an interview with CLNS Media (Link to YouTube), Garza explained how he developed his rebounding skills. “I’m a guy who wants the ball in his hands, and when I was younger, nobody would throw it to me.” he said. “So I had to take it off the glass. That’s where it started. Since then, I’ve just become who I am as a basketball player. I know the more I go, the more chances I have to get it. It’s good for our team. Creates a second chance.”
- In the mail bag column, MassLive’s Brian Robb addresses Baylor Schaermanhas improved the player’s skills and is pondering how much it might cost the Celtics to unload George’s contract at the trade deadline or next summer.
