The Celtics will look a bit different this season with Jaylen Brown out of the picture, but the new environment seems to be breathing life into Jayson Tatum.
After missing most of last season while recovering from a torn Achilles, Tatum went through the offseason fully healthy as he prepares to play alongside new teammates Paul George and Mitchell Robinson.
The new-look roster has sparked more than a few questions about what expectations for the Celtics should look like, but a fully unleashed Tatum could keep Boston near the top of the East.
Here’s what you need to know about Tatum’s new outlook for the 2026-27 season.
Jayson Tatum Explains ‘New Perspective’
Tatum told SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell that he has a “totally different perspective” coming into his 10th season.
“Last year was very tough for me,” Tatum said. “I just remember these days of training camp, and I would just be in the weight room the whole time watching the team practice, and it was just tough to not just go through it.”
Tatum said he has gained a special appreciation after being sidelined going into last season as he recovered from Achilles surgery.
“Being on this side and knowing what it felt like to have to watch the whole time, it just [brings] a different level of appreciation of just getting to be a part of the game that I love with my teammates,” Tatum said. “[It’s] a different type of joy that I have now than I did my first eight seasons.”
The new faces in the Celtics’ locker room could be feeding into Tatum’s new perspective. Tatum singled out Mitchell Robinson as one personality who has enhanced the experience for the rest of the team.
“I love Big Mitch,” Tatum said. “Hilarious guy, and he just brings a different dynamic to our team.”
Tatum impressed after returning from a 10-month absence last season, averaging 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game across 16 contests. As he returns to the lead role for the Celtics, Tatum appears to be excited about the season ahead.
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