When it comes to a possible return for Jayson Tatum this season, there are factors to consider. The physical element of coming back after tearing an achilles is obvious, but we can’t discount the mental element either. Tatum hasn’t played in a game since last May. There’s going to be a level of comfort and trust he needs to gain in his body for this to work.
But if Tatum does feel physically ready, the mental part of the return will be a huge factor regardless of when it happens. As Bill Simmons pointed out on his Sunday night podcast with Zach Lowe, if he’s ready physically, which seems to be imminent, then why not come back and deal with the mental part now?