All that said, it's still a good sign to see Tatum walking without a boot and moving well at the New England Patriots' practice on Wednesday. There also have been videos on social media of Tatum working out in the Celtics' practice facility weight room.

Tatum suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on May 12 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. the New York Knicks, and quickly underwent surgery to repair the tear. That began what's expected to be a lengthy recovery process, though no official timetable has been communicated by the Celtics.

Tatum — who suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon during the Eastern Conference Semifinals in May — was walking gingerly around the field without a walking boot.