Blake Griffin is one of the few modern NBA players who truly understands both the excitement of stardom and the challenges of a major injury. His experience is especially helpful now as Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum recovers from a ruptured Achilles.

During an interview with Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints, Griffin talked about how he has stayed in close contact with Tatum during his rehab, sharing advice based on his own injury struggles. Even though they were only teammates in Boston for one season (2022-23), their friendship has lasted beyond basketball.

Donabedian wrote that Griffin has been checking in on Tatum often as he recovers from his toughest injury yet. Griffin said their talks are mostly about handling the mental side of recovery, not just basketball tactics.

Over his career of more than ten years, Griffin’s path was changed many times by knee injuries that kept him off the court and changed his role in the league. In his talk with Donabedian, Griffin pointed out how lonely long-term rehab can feel, especially for players used to always competing and having a set routine.

Tatum is feeling that isolation for the first time. Before his Achilles injury in spring 2024, the six-time All-Star had been extremely durable, even in college. Going from leading Boston’s title hopes to watching from the sidelines this season has been a big change.

Griffin told Donabedian that his main advice to Tatum is to feel disappointment for a short time, then move on. For Griffin, setting this mental limit helped him avoid frustration and focus on getting better.

It seems that advice has helped. Donabedian notes that Griffin is encouraged by Tatum’s recent progress, including his work on the court at the Auerbach Center. There is still no set return date, but Griffin says Tatum’s positive attitude matters most.

Still, Griffin warned not to read too much into short-term progress. Based on his own experience, he said rehab is rarely a smooth process, especially with Achilles injuries. Progress can go up and down, and staying steady emotionally is just as important as getting stronger physically.

This point is especially important as Boston faces a big question: Should Tatum try to come back this season?

Griffin did not give a clear answer to Donabedian, and leaned toward being careful. He mentioned data on Achilles recoveries, saying that taking more time often lowers the risk of reinjury or other problems. The situation is complicated because the Celtics have stayed strong without their star, are near the top of the Eastern Conference, and have done better than expected.

From a basketball view, bringing Tatum back to a team that is already working well together is tempting.

Griffin said that even a short return, maybe with limited minutes late in the season, could help Tatum mentally, but stressed that any decision should consider the long-term health of a player, especially someone with Tatum’s achievements and years ahead.

Griffin said the choice is up to Tatum and the Celtics’ medical staff. After experiencing the risks of coming back too soon himself, Griffin now values patience over rushing back.

As Donabedian’s interview shows, Griffin’s advice is more than just friendly support. He wants to help Tatum be patient so he can recover fully and for the long term.

It’s clear their one season together has created a lifetime of friendship. I encourage everyone to read my friend’s piece for the full quotes and more.

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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.