In September, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum spoke to the Dan Patrick Show about where he was, both physically and mentally, when he returned from a torn Achilles in March.

Tatum expressed that he was happy to return, but said there was some doubt and trepidation around his return.

He re-iterated those same thoughts on Thursday, telling reporters, including Noa Dalzell of CLNS Celtics: 

“When I came back, it was great from a mentality standpoint, just to get over that hurdle of playing, and even if I was at 80% myself, knowing that I could still be effective going into the offseason, knowing that I had the whole summer to get my body right, to get in the rhythm of playing basketball again.

I feel so much more confident from a mental standpoint — and physically.”

When he spoke to Patrick, he said that his first game back in March was nerve-wracking, and he described himself as anxious. Speaking vulnerably, he said that he was nervous every game he played last season, but he was happy to have been out there and prove to himself that he could play. This year, he seems to ready to pick up right where he left off in 2024-25 before he got hurt in the NBA Playoffs.

Tatum, who is a six-time All-Star in nine seasons, played just 16 regular season games. He looked healthy and solid upon his return, averaging 21.8 ppg and 10 rebounds. He shot 41.1 percent from the floor and 32.9 percent from 3-point range, both under his career averages, but it was still a generally solid showing.

He played in six of the team's playoff games last season, having to sit out Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers because of a knee issue. The Celtics lost despite having a 3-1 series lead. They went 56-26 in the regular season and earned the No. 2 seed.

Tatum is a five-time All-NBA selection and an NBA champion (2024).

With Jaylen Brown now in Philadelphia, Tatum is going to get the chance to be the full-on leader of this team, something he's never had in the entirety of his career. It's good to know that he feels healthy and confident, because the Celtics are going to need that if they want any chance of truly competing in a rejuvenated Eastern Conference. 

The C's will continue training camp for the next week in preparation for the preseason opener, which is Oct. 8. The preseason will include four games in advance of the regular season opener, which is set for Oct. 20 against the Detroit Pistons.

The Pistons were the No. 1 seed a season ago.