Tatum posts rehab video as Celtics weigh Achilles return timeline

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum released video late Saturday showing him lifting weights, jogging and taking part in oncourt basketball drills at the team facility, a striking development roughly four months after he ruptured his right Achilles in May and underwent surgery. The footage, and Tatum’s own comments, have renewed optimism about the timeline for his recovery even as the organization stresses it will not rush his return.

Tatum, 27, said in the video that he had completed his third oncourt workout and called the process a long journey of 19 and a half weeks, adding, "I am working my tail off to get back, to get healthy, for the love of the game." The surgery was performed soon after the injury by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Martin J. O’Malley, who has told team personnel that Tatum’s calf strength at this stage is unusually robust.

The Celtics have maintained a conservative public stance. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens said the team will not set a timetable and that the priority remains a full recovery. Coach Joe Mazzulla and team medical staff will be among those consulted before any return is approved, officials said. Tatum has described his...