Locked On Celtics: Mystery Moves, Jayson Tatum’s Return, and Al Horford Reunion?

Boston Celtics Mailbag — January 26, 2026
Host: John Karalis, Boston Sports Journal
Podcast: Locked On Celtics, Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this mailbag episode, John Karalis fields listener questions about potential mystery moves by the Celtics before the trade deadline, the impact and timeline of Jayson Tatum’s impending return, whether Tatum should be deployed at center, and thoughts on a possible Al Horford return. He shares tactical analysis, candid opinions on player development, and inside perspectives from years covering the team, while mixing in some humor and relatable Boston sports commentary.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Mystery Big Man Moves and the Celtics’ Trade Strategy

[01:12 – 06:32]

• Listener Question from Joe: Are there “mystery” bigs who might fit Boston, particularly via deals we haven’t heard about?
• John’s Perspective:
  • The Celtics are more likely to find a big man by getting involved as a third or fourth team in a larger, multi-team deal, rather than a simple one-for-one trade.

    “The way the CBA forces teams to get third and fourth teams involved in big trades, the Celtics might be better suited to get involved that way and get their big that way.” – John Karalis [02:31]

  • Name-drops Santi Aldama as a type to watch if, e.g., the Grizzlies make moves around Ja Morant, though stresses he has "no reporting" on Aldama's availability.
  • Emphasizes that Boston might ultimately “stand pat” unless an unexpected opportunity presents itself, noting cost/benefit under the new CBA.

2. NBA Defensive Adjustments & the Celtics’ Response

[06:33 – 12:03]

• Listener Question from NJ: Teams have been more physical with Boston at the point of attack (hand checks, physicality). How should the Celtics adapt?
• John’s Tactical Breakdown:
  • Celtics need to answer physicality with their own—“playing harder with more effort.”
  • Advocates for quicker offensive actions: ghost screens, slip screens, short rolls, and rapid ball movement to exploit over-aggressive defenses.

    “You have to combat [physical defense] with your own physical play. ... Quick decisions, quick actions, starting with ghost screens, slip screens, quick things… Get off the ball quickly.” – John Karalis [07:15]

  • Draws examples from players like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, who screen and roll quickly instead of waiting for slower developing plays.

3. Jayson Tatum’s Return: Progress, Impact, and Fit

[12:04 – 21:37]

A. Tatum’s Rehab Timeline

• Listener Question from Zach: How long will each step of Tatum’s return take?
• Key Points:
  • Tatum’s return involves multiple phases: strengthening, scripted small group work, large group work, 5-on-5 (scripted then unscripted) scrimmaging.
  • Timeline is highly variable, hinging on medical imaging, soreness, and physical response.

    “How long does that take? We don’t know… I hate to be wishy-washy on this, but the return timeline for guys going through these steps, there’s no set thing.” – John Karalis [13:37]

  • Suggests a Super Bowl Sunday return (February 8) would be “one of the greatest sports Sundays of all time,” but tempering expectations for a March return is more realistic.

    “If Jason Tatum came back, look, he hurt it against the Knicks, coming back against the Knicks at home...that would be such a perfect game.” – John Karalis [14:28]

B. Can Tatum Learn by Watching Jalen Brown’s Attacking Style?

• Listener Question from Chase: Has watching Jalen helped Tatum’s approach, especially regarding rim attacks?
• John's Take:
  • Not sure Tatum "learns" directly from Jalen, but sees value in seeing how the league and defenses respond to varied styles.
  • Jalen’s midrange and rim attacks work because he’s improved those skills; Tatum’s midrange has “historically been bad,” should stick to rim or three-pointers.

    “I think Jason’s going to come out and just play his game, play his normal game.” – John Karalis [17:05]

  • Recommends Tatum adopt a “little more urgency… [and] attacking mindset,” but expects him to remain true to his own style.

C. Should Tatum Play the Five (Center) Upon Return?

• Listener Question from Ted: Is Tatum at the five a good idea to boost the team?
• Key Points:
  • John has long advocated for Tatum as a “small-ball five” in theory but finds it rarely works as effectively in practice.
  • Strength, rebounding, and switchability are assets, but regular minutes at center not ideal due to physical demands and matchups.

    “He’s a great rebounder…he can switch onto fives…But I don’t think him just playing the five is the way to go…not on a 48-minute or 36-minute basis.” – John Karalis [19:25]

4. The Al Horford Question: Replacements and Fairytales

[23:59 – 32:23]

A. Is Luka Garza a “Poor Man’s Al Horford”?

• Listener Question from Chris: Has Garza filled the void Horford left?
• John’s Evaluation:
  • Sees “some similarities”—energy, above-the-break threes, screens—but Garza lacks Horford’s defensive versatility or volume shooting.
  • Ultimately, “checks off enough boxes to fill some of the void,” surprising many with his impact this year.

    “I don’t look at Luka and think, oh, that’s an Al Horford light. But, okay, you know what Chris? I will allow it.” – John Karalis [25:28]

B. Al Horford Reunion?

• Listener Questions from Ryan and Jonas: Could Horford be bought out by the Warriors and return, or be acquired in a three-team trade?
• John’s Take:
  • Buyout is possible, “if he wanted it.” Would Boston want him back? On a minimum? “I wouldn’t rule it out…Could it happen? Yeah, why not?”

    “Personally, I would love to have him back just so I can ask [Al], do you think there's an Al Horford curse?” – John Karalis [29:44]

  • Trade scenario (e.g., as a piece in a Kuming a deal) less likely due to salary mechanics and Celtics' current roster needs—but he wouldn’t mind it for leadership and playoff depth.

5. Lighter Mailbag Fun: Snowstorm “French Toast” Stockpiling

[32:25 – 34:12]

• Listener Andrew: Why do New Englanders stock up on milk, bread, and eggs before snowstorms?
• John’s Amused Response:
  • Admits he doesn’t get it—“If the power goes out, you’re screwed because it’s all perishable stuff.”
  • Suggests water, canned goods, or breakfast bars make more sense.

    “I don’t know the answer, Andrew…People just do it now because they think they should.” – John Karalis [33:12]

  • Encourages more silly questions for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• On Celtics’ trade strategy:
  “Look for big names that are potentially getting traded and look for centers on those teams that could be rerouted to Boston.” [04:42]
• On responding to physical defenses:
  “Just get off the ball quickly…and make a play. Run your actions off of that. … You’ve got to be fast, but you also have to be able to handle that physicality.” [08:56]
• On Tatum’s mindset:
  “I think if Tatum’s learning anything from this season, I don’t think it’s necessarily learning it from Jalen…It's understanding where the league is and how defenses play…” [16:47]
• On Al Horford possibly returning:
  “Him being back here and having another championship run would be great. He’s always a plus in the locker room. The guys love him. … But to be realistic, I don’t expect him to come back, but let’s hold out hope.” [31:37]

Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------- |-----------:| | Intro & Episode Setup | 01:12 | | Celtics Trade/Big Man Rumors | 01:12–06:32| | Responding to Handsy Defense | 06:33–12:03| | Jayson Tatum Rehab Timeline | 12:04–16:12| | Tatum Learning from Jalen Brown | 16:13–18:44| | Tatum as a Small-Ball Center | 18:45–21:37| | Luka Garza as Horford’s Replacement | 23:59–26:24| | Al Horford Buyout/Trade Scenarios | 26:25–31:55| | Snowstorm French Toast Question | 32:25–34:12|

Overall Tone and Takeaways

John Karalis delivers the Mailbag with accessible, conversational expertise, blending clear-eyed analysis (“I think the Celtics probably stand pat”), inside reporting, and humor. He welcomes both hard-nosed X’s-and-O’s and light-hearted lifestyle questions while maintaining the pulse of Boston sports fandom. If you’re looking for trade deadline insights, injury projections, and a sense of Celtics clubhouse culture, this episode is essential listening.