Celtics Beat, Episode 664: "Tatum Needs to Come Back SOON" w/ Cedric Maxwell

Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Adam Kaufman (with Evan Valenti)
Guest: Cedric "Max" Maxwell – 1981 NBA Finals MVP, Celtics radio broadcaster

Overview

In this episode, Adam Kaufman and Evan Valenti are joined by Celtics legend Cedric Maxwell for a wide-ranging, candid, and insightful conversation about the state of the Celtics during a pivotal West Coast road trip. The central focus is on Jason Tatum’s long-awaited return from injury—his recovery, the psychological and strategic implications for both Tatum and the team, and the overarching significance for the Celtics’ playoff ambitions. The episode also delves into All-Star weekend, the evolution of NBA All-Star festivities, team dynamics, and features plenty of classic Maxwell storytelling and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Boston Celtics: West Coast Trip & Current State

• Setting the Stage: Celtics enter a tough West Coast swing with games against the Warriors, Lakers, Suns, and Nuggets, followed by a marquee home matchup with the Bucks.

  • (04:45) “This stretch is really tough...I think it’s going to be one of the toughest of the season.” — Maxwell

• Historical Benchmarks: Adam invokes the “Phil Jackson 40/20 rule,” noting the Celtics need to minimize losses to be seen as legitimate contenders.

Jason Tatum’s Recovery: Health, Hype, and Hope

The Medical & Mental Recovery

• Tatum’s Status:

  • Achilles is “healed” per team doctors and Brad Stevens, but leg strength remains key for clearance. (07:38)
  • “He’s going to show improvement...but when you come off an injury, you want to come back as yourself. He’s not afraid, but he’s apprehensive.” — Maxwell (08:21)

• The Importance of Ramp-Up:

  • Both hosts and Max agree: Tatum needs 15–20 games to acclimate before playoffs.
  • “[You need] 20 games under your belt, then you start to get the routine…until you get in that line of fire...you’re not in it yet.”—Maxwell (10:17)

Team Dynamics: Reintegrating a Star

• Onus of Adjustment:

  • Integrating Tatum back impacts everyone: “…doctors, staff, fans, himself, his mom…everyone is going to have expectations…” — Maxwell (12:38)
  • The team must adapt as Tatum regains confidence and chemistry, potentially shifting the rhythm established during his absence.

• What Tatum Can Offer Even if Not 100%:

  • Facilitator, rebounder, big body—Tatum can help the Celtics win by not doing “too much, too soon” and focusing on his natural strengths. (15:30)

Psychological Hurdles & Vulnerability

• Tatum’s Public Apprehension:
  • Tatum has been open about nerves regarding his return, not wanting to “screw the team up,” and uncertainty about his body.
  • Maxwell shares personal experience: “When I came back [from injury]...I wanted to do what I did before. But I felt nothing in my leg at all because I was rushed back…he’s going to have to jump over that psychological hurdle…” (08:21–09:51)
  • Memorable analogy: “It’s just like watching your child progress—there are stepping stones.” (31:06–32:42)

The NBC Documentary & Tatum’s Brand

• 5-Part Docuseries on Tatum:

  • Discussion around Tatum’s new NBC doc, its impact, and his business savvy.
  • Maxwell: “For me, there’s enough spotlight on me already. I don’t need to turn the damn bulbs up...But for him...he’s going to be over a billion dollars before he walks away.” (20:04)

• Speculation about Orchestration & Motivation:

  • Hosts note: Tatum wouldn’t agree to a doc if there was a real chance he wasn’t returning this season. (19:41)

Jalen Brown’s Emergence & Tatum’s Return: Navigating Roles

• Brown’s Career Year:

  • Jaylen Brown has flourished in Tatum’s absence, becoming a two-way, consistent force; now enters MVP and first team All-NBA conversations.
  • “He went in and destroyed Kawhi Leonard… he wants these challenges of being a defender now.” — Maxwell (36:27)

• Media/Fan Narratives & Team Unity:

  • Season is rife with speculation about “beef” between Brown & Tatum—Maxwell is tired of it:
    • “They want the best for each other … I thought we had put that behind us when they won the championship…” (34:13)
  • Brown’s success isn’t seen as a threat to Tatum’s primacy if the team keeps winning; the challenge is only if losses pile up. (41:40–45:18)
  • Maxwell relates to the dynamic referencing his role shift post-Larry Bird’s arrival—players value winning above individual ego. (42:40)

Joe Mazzulla’s Role & Coaching Dynamics

• Coach’s Limits with Player Recovery:
  • Maxwell: “You can talk to a guy all you want…until he steps out on that floor, it’s hard…he has to wrap his head around what he can do.” (28:45)
  • Still, Mazzulla’s motivational leadership is praised.
  • “Joe is going to try whatever he can to motivate his players…[but] the player has to have wrapped his head around what he can do…” (30:53)

The Supporting Cast & Front Office

• Role Player Development:

  • Praise for Pritchard as a starter, Hugo’s breakout, “Charman,” Kata’s surprise year, trade deadline acquisition “Booch,” and the impact of Brad Stevens’ moves.
  • “Seems like everything Joe Mazzulla touched turned to gold.” — Maxwell (48:29–49:31)

• Celtics’ Overachieving Season:

  • Media, fans, and experts did not project anywhere near the 50-win pace Boston is on.

All-Star Weekend & NBA Showcase Critique

All-Star Game Evolution & Fixes

• Maxwell’s Take:

  • The All-Star festivities have become more celebrity/fashion spectacle than basketball event (53:17).
  • Dunk Contest woes—suggests bringing in street ballers or social media stars for more entertainment value; most NBA stars don’t want to compete.
  • “Can you fix the slam dunk without having LeBron in it? He ain’t gonna do it.” (54:06)

• Alternative Events:

  • Proposes mix of NBA and WNBA players in the All-Star game for renewed competitive edge.
  • Discussion of horse, BIG3 league’s physicality, and ideas for new contests (51:11–54:06).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tatum’s Mindset:

  • “[He] isn’t afraid, but he’s apprehensive. He wants to come back as Jason Tatum…there’s going to be some stumbles and trips on the way until he feels like himself again.” — Cedric Maxwell (08:21)

• On Pressure & the Return:

  • “The roof is going to blow up the place when he steps on the floor…he’ll have something running down his leg!” — Maxwell (13:30)

• On Docuseries “Significance”:

  • “For him, he’s a shrewd businessman…he’s going to make over a billion dollars before he walks away from this game.” — Maxwell (20:04)

• Big-Picture Wisdom:

  • “The noise only bothers you when you start to lose…If they can come back and they're winning, I think it crushes everything out there.” — Maxwell (44:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:39 — Episode start & guest introduction
• 04:45 — Celtics’ upcoming 8-game stretch described as “one of the toughest”
• 05:38 — Immediate discussion of Tatum’s return timeline
• 08:21 — Maxwell on apprehension and the psychology of injury comeback
• 12:38 — Adjusting team chemistry: whose responsibility is it?
• 15:30 — How Tatum, even at less than full strength, can help the team
• 19:41 — The NBC docuseries on Tatum: is it telling of intention to return?
• 20:04 — Maxwell on Tatum’s brand and business acumen
• 28:45 — Evan & Max debate Missoula’s role in Tatum’s reintegration
• 34:13 — Maxwell’s frustration over “Jayson vs. Jaylen” narratives
• 36:27 — Brown’s breakout two-way performance, especially vs. Kawhi and Luka
• 41:40 — Game/role adjustment next season when Tatum is 100%
• 48:29 — Unsung Celtics contributors (Pritchard, Hugo, Kata, etc.)
• 53:17 — All-Star Weekend critique and suggestions for improvement
• 58:44–66:00 — The Nick Wright “Black vs. White” All-Star Game controversy and Maxwell’s in-depth, poignant response

Classic Maxwell Stories & Humor

• Recalls coming back from injury and dealing with nerves, offering relatable insight for Tatum’s situation.
• Shares an anecdote about his own ignorance before meeting Larry Bird: “I remember after practice...I said, ‘You know what? Y’all can beat this all you want, but that white guy can play over there.’” (62:56)

Hot Topics & Controversial Takes

• Nick Wright’s “Black vs. White” All-Star Game Proposal (58:44)
  • Maxwell: “It’s stupidly fascinating…it’s beneath me...I can’t even answer because it just seems so indignant.”
  • Relates to personal experience with race/fitting in with teammates, ultimately rejecting the idea as absurd and divisive.

Tone & Language

• The episode features candid, conversational, and often humorous exchanges that reflect both the seriousness of the subject (Tatum’s comeback) and the easy camaraderie between friends deeply embedded in Celtics culture.
• Maxwell is forthright but warm, balancing strong opinions with self-deprecating humor and wisdom from his years in the NBA.

Conclusion

This episode offers fans deep insight into the Celtics’ current situation, focusing especially on the complexities of reintegrating Jason Tatum amidst a season where Jaylen Brown, Joe Mazzulla and the supporting cast have all exceeded expectations. Cedric Maxwell provides unique player and broadcaster perspective—on injuries, stardom, team dynamics, and the business of basketball. The show ends with a lively back-and-forth on NBA All-Star festivities, the always-present Celtics media/fan narratives, and a thoughtful reflection on the intersection of race and sport.

If you want a true sense of what’s happening with the Boston Celtics—on the court, in the locker room, and in the city—this is essential listening.