(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Tuesday, taking a crucial step in his recovery from a right Achilles tear last May.

The Boston star practiced with the club's G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, and was encouraged by how he felt afterward.

'Today is 39 weeks (since the injury) so it's been a long journey,' Tatum told reporters. 'And it's just the progression of rehab, the next step. Doesn't mean that I'm coming back or I'm not. We're just following the plan. It was just another step.'

Tatum was injured in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks.

The six-time All-Star doesn't have a firm timetable for this return.

'I just feel a little bit better every day and I just try and focus on that,' the 27-year-old Tatum said.

Boston (34-19) has performed well without him with Jaylen Brown stepping into the lead role and averaging a career-best 29.4 points per game. Brown was named to his fifth All-Star team.

Tatum recently said he was concerned about affecting the chemistry when he returns to the club and he clarified those remarks on Tuesday.

'Obviously, I know what I bring to the table and what I'll bring to the team, but I'm also aware these guys have been playing extremely well,' Tatum said. 'Not to say that I'll come in and mess it up or anything like that. It was just kind of being vulnerable I guess for a moment.'

Tatum averaged 26.8 points along with career highs of 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game in 2024-25. He has career averages of 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 585 games.

--Field Level Media