Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Explains Foregoing Offseason Surgery

BOSTON -- Celtics star Jayson Tatum punted on the idea of undergoing wrist surgery this offseason, but isn't second-guessing the decision.

Throughout the better chunk of last season, Tatum dealt with lingering left-wrist discomfort. It prompted questions about whether or not he could have offseason surgery. That never happened.

Instead, after averaging a career-high 30.1 points in 74 games, Tatum reportedly received a cortisone shot and proceeded to prep for training camp and the ensuing regular season.

"Just got a bunch of second, third and fourth opinions," Tatum revealed Monday during Celtics media day. "Surgery wasn't a common one so I wasn't all the way certain about it, but (I) did all the right things this summer. Took all the right measures, I guess, to make sure I was healthy and prepared to come into the season with no distractions."

The impact of Tatum's discomfort in his non-shooting hand seemingly was not much of a factor based on last season's production. Aside from a cold skid after the NBA All-Star Game and a few playoff no-shows, Tatum still elevated.

Tatum also led the Celtics in rebounds (8.8) and shot a career-best 55.8% from two-point range with 31 double-doubles. That prompted some early MVP discussion, which placed Tatum in the conversation alongside Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and eventual winner Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

Missing just six games, Tatum finished fourth on the ballot. He did not receive a first-place vote, but did earn All-NBA First Team honors for the second time in his career.

Not content with the Celtics hitting rock bottom in the Eastern Conference finals, Tatum put plenty of time preparing his body this offseason. He added another 12 pounds of muscle before the start of camp.

"I've always lifted heavier in the summer than I do in the regular season," Tatum said. "I guess I have set some personal records in the weight room this summer, but not like that much more than I did last summer. ... I think I've just gotten a little bit bigger every year and I've gotten a little bit older. So I think those things go hand in hand."