Stephen A. Smith Urges Celtics to Protect Jayson Tatum, Citing Michael Jordan’s Trainer’s Advice

Jayson Tatum has played in 22 games since returning after tearing his Achilles tendon in the playoffs last season.

Stephen A. Smith Urges Celtics to Protect Jayson Tatum, Citing Michael Jordan’s Trainer’s Advice

Jayson Tatum and Stephen A. Smith (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Stephen A. Smith advises the Celtics to prioritize Jayson Tatum's long-term health over playing in Game 7.
  • Concerns arise about Tatum's other leg compensating for his surgically repaired Achilles tendon.
  • Kendrick Perkins supports sitting Tatum out to avoid risking further injury and ensure his future performance.

After tearing his Achilles tendon in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the entire basketball world thought that Jayson Tatum would take a year off to recover and then return for the 2026-27 season.

That prediction was thrown out of the window when Jaylen Brown led his teammates to rise up to second in the East. Watching this unfold, Tatum decided to return to the basketball court.

Even before that decision, his recovery was already at a never-before-seen pace. While some worried for his long-term health, the Celtics took it easy initially to ease the Duke standout back into the game.

Slowly and steadily, Jayson Tatum seemed to be getting his groove back, and the Celtics looked again like potential championship contenders.

However, in Game 6 of their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, the 6’8″ forward sat out most of the fourth quarter due to stiffness in his leg. Not the one that has a surgically repaired tendon, but his other one.

I remember the great Tim Grover, who used to train Michael Jordan… He texts me this morning. ‘Remember what I told you years ago about the Achilles? I’ve never been worried about the surgical one. My concern was always the other leg when a player comes back because you’re overcompensating on that one leg,’ which is what Tatum may have done.

Stephen A. Smith said on his namesake show

This was the ESPN analyst making it clear that the Boston Celtics should protect their star player’s long-term health, as they had signed him to a $315 million contract not long ago.

Kendrick Perkins does not want Jayson Tatum in Game 7

On one hand, Stephen A. Smith cited Michael Jordan‘s trainer to let the Boston Celtics know that any further stress on Jayson Tatum‘s other leg could complicate his long-term health. When he brought up the same logic earlier on First Take, Kendrick Perkins said this:

If he’s feeling any type of discomfort, he might have to sit out Game 7. It’s not worth the risk.

Kendrick Perkins said

The former champion reiterated that as a fan, he would want the six-time All-Star to play in the deciding Game 7. However, his long-term health is more important.

That should be enough for them to put an end to this run and force him to sit out. If he injures his other leg, Tatum would miss another season.

But more importantly, continuous injuries tend to take a toll on a player’s health, both physical and mental. If they want to see their money’s worth, Perkins hopes they do what is right for Jayson Tatum.

Celtics will struggle in Game 7 without Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum’s return helped the Boston Celtics get additional scoring support to deploy alongside Jaylen Brown. It was deemed good enough for the most part, which is why they ran up a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tyrese Maxey battling Jayson Tatum
Tyrese Maxey battling Jayson Tatum (Image via Underdog/X)

However, that was without Joel Embiid playing at his best. Now, the momentum has flipped, and it is the Sixers who will head into TD Garden with the confidence that they can defeat the league’s most successful team.

They defeated the Celtics at their home arena with their leading superstar playing all four quarters. If he misses Game 7, it would likely be an easier task for the visitors.

The Sixers are playing with elite confidence, and their top four stars are playing at their best. It will be difficult for the Celtics to beat them, anyway. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to sit Jayson Tatum out and bring him back healthy for a title run next season.

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