The Athletic NBA Daily – December 12, 2025

Episode Theme:
Will Jayson Tatum return for the Celtics this season?

Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni
Guest: Jay King (The Athletic, Celtics beat reporter)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Celtics' surprisingly strong season, key on-court trends around the league, and, most importantly, whether Jayson Tatum might return from injury before season’s end. The hosts and guest reflect on the implications for Boston, analyze player developments, and dissect broader NBA topics like end-of-game pacing and foul rules.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rockets-Clippers Game: End-of-Game Grind

• Discussion about slow end-of-game pace and fouling strategies.
  • The Rockets defeated the Clippers in a tight, but laboriously slow finish due to repeated fouls, reviews, and challenges.
  • Dave DuFour: “The final 17 seconds took 17 minutes in real life to finish.” [04:00]
  • Fouling up three is criticized as “taking away from the entertainment factor of the NBA and really the spirit of the game.” [06:12]
  • Both hosts agree the NBA needs a rule change to preserve excitement, much as it did with the take foul.

2. Steph Curry’s Impact and Warriors’ Outlook

• Steph Curry's return after injury.
  • The Warriors went 3-2 without him but “they’re 10 points per 100 possessions better on offense with Steph Curry on the floor this season.” [08:09]
• Roster flexibility and potential moves:
  • Jonathan Kuminga is a likely trade candidate.
  • Esfandiar: “You gotta give this Warriors team and Steph Curry a little bit more of a chance than it currently has in the Western Conference.” [09:27]

3. Celtics Season Overview and Recent Loss

• Jay King joins to analyze Boston’s season.
  • The Celtics have been “way more competitive…than anybody expected, mostly because we really thought they were going to try to get under the tax and maybe tank this season, but they’re too good to tank.” [14:01]
  • Most recent loss: Celtics stumbled when “they missed 16 straight threes…you know that’s not great, not good.” [14:49]
  • Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma cited for exploiting Celtics defensive lapses.
  • Despite the cold shooting, “what really doomed them was…their defense.” [15:10]

4. Offensive Evolution in Boston

• On play style changes and less three-point dependency:
  • Jay King explains a strategic shift:
    • “Even without [Tatum and former all-stars], they still rank first in taking care of the ball…that helps them win the possession game.”
    • “Now they crash the glass at a very high rate…ranked seventh in offensive rebounding.” [15:54]
  • Celtics “rarely post up any more,” relying on mid-range and three-point shooting, but are less likely to crater when the threes stop falling due to improved ball care and rebounding.

5. Jalen Brown’s Breakout and Increased Responsibility

• On Brown as lead guard:
  • Jay: “When Jason Tatum was not on the court last season…Jalen [Brown] averaged almost 10 assists per 100 possessions…” [18:46]
  • Jay lauds Brown’s midrange prowess: “He’s like Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant from mid range. It really is an insane diet of shots…super impressive.” [19:52]

6. Jordan Walsh’s Emergence

• Jay praises second-year wing’s development:
  • “He went from looking like a guy who might never get a chance…to ‘oh wow, Austin Reeves just said he’s going to be one of the best defensive players in the league’…” [22:39]
  • Walsh is rebounding well and taking smart shots, supplementing his expected defensive impact.

7. Jayson Tatum’s Recovery & Return Timeline

• Footage and optimism:
  • “Tomorrow is seven months from his surgery…his change of direction looked pretty good. He was shooting step backs…and one-legged fadeaway jumpers.” [23:41]
  • Jay cautiously optimistic: “I suspect…he has a real chance to [return this season].” [24:18]
• On historical precedent:
  • They cite Dominique Wilkins, who came back from a similar injury in nine months, offering hope given improved medical technology.
• Jay’s caveat on Tatum’s likely role if he returns:
  • “It’s really hard for me to envision him being ready to play at [an all-NBA] level so quickly after an Achilles. In this era…it is so hard to play and keep up if you’re not at top, top speed.” [25:24]
  • Boston might not contend for the East even with Tatum’s partial return, but his diligence and habits give reason for optimism.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the grind of endgame NBA:
  • Esfandiar: “My wife always jokes with me…how much is left in the game? …I’ll see you in 25 minutes. It’s NBA time.” [05:01]
• On Celtics’ new offensive style:
  • Jay: “They don’t post up at all anymore, like never ever…Now it’s Jalen Brown and Peyton Pritchard from the mid range; it’s everybody else from three…” [16:15]
• On Jalen Brown’s shot making:
  • Jay: “It’s just been super impressive. The shot making that he’s had this season has been ridiculous and it’s been super consistent and I don’t know if it’s sustainable…but it’s really been a display of shooting so far this season for Jalen Brown.” [19:54]
  • (On Brown’s shot swish:) “Swap?”—becomes a running joke. [20:31]
• On Tatum’s rehab and work ethic:
  • Jay: “He puts a ton of care into his body…he took his trainer with him when he would go to, like, Kemba Walker’s wedding…worked out the day of the wedding.” [27:40]
• On potential Celtics trades:
  • Jay: “Perfect world, they would try to do both [shed salary and add depth]…use someone like Anthony Simon’s contract to go get an area of need, say big man.” [29:24]
  • Zubac and Gafford mentioned as possible trade targets.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:24] – Opening remarks and rundown
• [04:00] – Rockets-Clippers game and end-of-game officiating
• [07:32] – Steph Curry’s return and Warriors’ concerns
• [14:01] – Celtics season recap intro; Jay King segments begin
• [15:54] – Celtics’ offensive adjustments and ball control
• [18:46] – Jalen Brown as lead guard without Tatum
• [21:02] – Jordan Walsh’s emergence
• [23:41] – Tatum’s rehab footage and return possibility
• [25:24] – The reality of Tatum’s potential playoff readiness
• [29:24] – Celtics trade deadline outlook
• [31:59] – Closing thoughts and future trajectory

Takeaways & Looking Forward

• The Celtics have subverted preseason expectations with a competitive, adaptive core, owing to Jalen Brown’s leap and improved team rebounding.
• Jayson Tatum’s rehab is a positive sign, but his return (if it occurs) may not restore his MVP-caliber form immediately.
• Boston is expected to be active in the trade market, balancing cap management and the need for a playoff-ready big man.
• The episode’s conversational tone highlights both the technical and human sides of the game, with the hosts’ mix of analysis and banter.