A mock draft is one of the best ways to prepare for your fantasy basketball season. With a panel of NBA Fantasy experts, I hosted a 12-team, 9-category mock draft on Yahoo to analyze different strategies and values. From the first-overall pick to late-round sleepers, I'll break down my picks with commentary on player value, position scarcity, and which players might be worth a gamble. Full results for every team can be found at the end.

1- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

You should consider Victor Wembanyama here too, but I still believe Jokic is the safer option. He's been the best fantasy asset across the past half-decade. Nothing should change this year for him, though I wouldn't be shocked if he saw 1-3 fewer minutes per game since Denver is deeper than last year. Either way, drafting Jokic sets you up for almost any other type of build you want to execute.

24- Amen Thompson, Rockets

Maybe these next two picks could be considered small reaches, but you don't have much of a choice when picking at the turn. You have to get your guys. Thompson certainly fits that bill for me around this draft slot. He's one of the best athletes in the NBA, an All-Defensive player, and versatile on the offensive end. If Thompson can improve his perimeter shooting even a little bit, there might be a first-round fantasy asset here.

25- Josh Giddey, Bulls

You shouldn't expect Giddey to produce at the level he did in March and April last season. But he's still the lead playmaker for this run-and-gun Bulls squad, and agreeing on a contract extension cements the organization's commitment to him. He's a candidate for a triple-double every time he steps on the floor, and he's made strides as a three-point shooter and defender.

48- Coby White, Bulls

I didn't mean to grab Bulls players back-to-back, but Giddey/White is a solid pairing. You get the team's top two offensive options. White is essentially doing a Zach LaVine impersonation. He's an efficient scoring combo guard who can drop some dimes. If Giddey misses any time, White becomes the team's best playmaker by a mile.

49- Joel Embiid, 76ers

There isn't really a "right" spot for Embiid with his injury risk, but this is generally where he's being drafted. Part of me couldn't resist the MVP pairing of Embiid with Jokic. It's also important to remember Yahoo's default league requires two starting centers. There's a premium on bigs, so I didn't mind taking a bit of a gamble.

72- Josh Hart, Knicks

The fantasy basketball community doesn't buy Hart producing at the same level that he did last season. Part of that was potentially unsustainable efficiency; another part is wondering if new coach Mike Brown will play Hart (and the rest of the starters) knee-destroying minutes like Tom Thibodeau did. But at pick 72, I'll buy the dip.

73- Julius Randle, Timberwolves

Randle has holes in his game, especially defensively. But his floor is quite high as Minnesota's clear No. 2 option – a team that doesn't have many reliable playmakers. I'll happily take the points/rebounds/assists combo at this draft position.

96- Brandon Ingram, Raptors

My argument for drafting Ingram at 96 isn't much different from drafting Randle at 73. Who else in this range has 20/5/5 upside? Yes, Ingram falls this far for a reason – he can't stay healthy, and Toronto's offensive hierarchy is confusing. I knock him for those exact same reasons, but those concerns ring more hollow around pick 100.

97- Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Edey won't begin the season healthy, and it's possible he misses the first month or two. For that reason, this might be a little early for him. Still, I'll toss him in my injured reserve slot and figure it out later. Edey's play was encouraging down the stretch last season, and it seems like new coach Tuomas Iisalo is interested in featuring him more than Taylor Jenkins was. We know it doesn't take much for centers with Edey's statistical profile to contend for top-50 production.

120- TJ McConnell, Pacers

Indiana's gameplan for this season feels up in the air. Ultimately I trust McConnell to play 20-25 minutes. He's got top-75 upside if he can get more into the 26-28 minute range. At this point in the draft, he's an excellent source of assists and steals. And we know he can pop for big games when given expanded opportunities.

121- Brandin Podziemski, Warriors

Despite being about a month away from regular-season basketball, we do not have a resolution on the Jonathan Kuminga situation. That makes Podziemski's value murkier than I would like, but he improved significantly toward the end of last year after struggling out of the gate. I buy him as a glue guy with upside to expand his role if/when Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green miss time.

144- Kyle Kuzma, Bucks

I'm far from a Kuzma optimist, but the Bucks are not a deep team when it comes to playmakers. In theory, Kuzma could fill the No. 2 role behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Very few potential No. 2 options are available with your second-to-last pick in a fantasy basketball draft.

145- Collin Sexton, Hornets

Sexton has almost faded into obscurity while playing for the tanking Jazz, but he has quietly been one of the more productive per-minute guards in the NBA. I don't trust him to have more than a sixth-man role for Charlotte, but we know LaMelo Ball has struggled to stay healthy.

Draft Results - Rounds

Round 1

Nikola Jokić (DEN - C) - Alex Barutha

Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG) - Rotomancer

Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C) - Mike Catron ...

Trae Young (ATL - PG) - Joel Bartilo...

James Harden (LAC - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG) - SteveSaintP

Round 2

Stephen Curry (GSW - PG) - SteveSaintP

Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C) - Joel Bartilo...

Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C) - Mike Catron ...

Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Alperen Sengun (HOU - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF) - Alex Barutha

Round 3

Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C) - Kirien's Mat...

Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C) - Rotomancer

LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG) - DT's Fabulou...

De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C) - Joel Bartilo...

Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM - PF,C) - SteveSaintP

Round 4

Myles Turner (MIL - C) - SteveSaintP

Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF) - Matty G @NBA...

Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF) - Aburnshoops

Ivica Zubac (LAC - C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Ja Morant (MEM - PG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF) - Rotomancer

Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Coby White (CHI - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Round 5

Joel Embiid (PHI - C) - Alex Barutha

Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF) - Rotomancer

Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jalen Duren (DET - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Deandre Ayton (LAL - C) - Maven's Mind...

Darius Garland (CLE - PG) - Mike Catron ...

Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C) - Matty G @NBA...

Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF) - SteveSaintP

Round 6

Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG) - SteveSaintP

Mark Williams (PHX - C) - Matty G @NBA...

Nikola Vučević (CHI - C) - Joel Bartilo...

DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF) - Mike Catron ...

Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Jarrett Allen (CLE - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Walker Kessler (UTA - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Alex Sarr (WAS - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 7

Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C) - Alex Barutha

Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C) - Kirien's Mat...

Donovan Clingan (POR - C) - Rotomancer

Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C) - Mike Catron ...

Michael Porter Jr. (BKN - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Fred VanVleet (HOU - PG) - Matty G @NBA...

Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF) - SteveSaintP

Round 8

Rudy Gobert (MIN - C) - SteveSaintP

Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF) - Mike Catron ...

Nic Claxton (BKN - C) - Maven's Mind...

Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF) - Aburnshoops

John Collins (LAC - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 9

Zach Edey (MEM - C) - Alex Barutha

VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG) - Rotomancer

Dereck Lively II (DAL - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF) - DT's Fabulou...

Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Tobias Harris (DET - PF) - Maven's Mind...

Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF) - Mike Catron ...

Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Kyrie Irving (DAL - PG) - SteveSaintP

Round 10

Isaiah Jackson (IND - C) - SteveSaintP

Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF) - Mike Catron ...

Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG) - Aburnshoops

Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C) - DT's Fabulou...

Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

T.J. McConnell (IND - PG) - Alex Barutha

Round 11

Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF) - Rotomancer

Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Malik Monk (SAC - SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Scoot Henderson (POR - PG) - Aburnshoops

Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Ace Bailey (UTA - SF) - SteveSaintP

Round 12

Egor Demin (BKN - PG) - SteveSaintP

Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C) - Matty G @NBA...

Bilal Coulibaly (WAS - SG,SF) - Joel Bartilo...

Brook Lopez (LAC - C) - Mike Catron ...

Neemias Queta (BOS - PF,C) - Maven's Mind...

Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Cam Whitmore (WAS - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jared McCain (PHI - PG,SG) - Rotomancer

Jay Huff (IND - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 13

Collin Sexton (CHA - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Sam Hauser (BOS - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Ty Jerome (MEM - SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Daniel Gafford (DAL - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Yang Hansen (POR - C) - Aburnshoops

Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU - PF,C) - Maven's Mind...

Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF) - Mike Catron ...

Yves Missi (NOP - C) - Joel Bartilo...

De'Andre Hunter (CLE - SF,PF) - Matty G @NBA...

Chris Boucher (BOS - PF,C) - SteveSaintP

Draft Results - Teams

Alex Barutha

(1) Nikola Jokić (DEN - C)

(24) Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF)

(25) Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG)

(48) Coby White (CHI - PG,SG)

(49) Joel Embiid (PHI - C)

(72) Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF)

(73) Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C)

(96) Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

(97) Zach Edey (MEM - C)

(120) T.J. McConnell (IND - PG)

(121) Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG)

(144) Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF)

(145) Collin Sexton (CHA - PG,SG)

Kirien's Matchless Team

(2) Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C)

(23) Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

(26) Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C)

(47) Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF)

(50) Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG)

(71) Alex Sarr (WAS - C)

(74) Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C)

(95) Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF)

(98) VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG)

(119) Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF)

(122) Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG)

(143) Jay Huff (IND - C)

(146) Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF)

Rotomancer

(3) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG)

(22) Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF)

(27) Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C)

(46) Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF)

(51) Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF)

(70) OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF)

(75) Donovan Clingan (POR - C)

(94) Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF)

(99) Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG)

(118) Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF)

(123) Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF)

(142) Jared McCain (PHI - PG,SG)

(147) Sam Hauser (BOS - SF,PF)

Fantasy•Basketball•PH's Team

(4) Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG)

(21) Alperen Sengun (HOU - C)

(28) LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF)

(45) Ja Morant (MEM - PG)

(52) Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF)

(69) Walker Kessler (UTA - C)

(76) Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF)

(93) Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG)

(100) Dereck Lively II (DAL - C)

(117) Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG)

(124) Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF)

(141) Cam Whitmore (WAS - SF,PF)

(148) Ty Jerome (MEM - SG)

DT's Fabulous Team

(5) Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG)

(20) Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF)

(29) Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG)

(44) Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF)

(53) Jalen Duren (DET - C)

(68) Jarrett Allen (CLE - C)

(77) Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C)

(92) Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG)

(101) Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF)

(116) Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C)

(125) Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF)

(140) Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG)

(149) Daniel Gafford (DAL - C)

Jeff's Sensational Team

(6) Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C)

(19) Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF)

(30) De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG)

(43) Ivica Zubac (LAC - C)

(54) Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF)

(67) Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG)

(78) Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF)

(91) John Collins (LAC - PF,C)

(102) Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF)

(115) Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C)

(126) Malik Monk (SAC - SG)

(139) Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C)

(150) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF)

Aburnshoops

(7) Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C)

(18) Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG)

(31) Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C)

(42) Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF)

(55) Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C)

(66) Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG)

(79) Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG)

(90) Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF)

(103) Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C)

(114) D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG)

(127) Scoot Henderson (POR - PG)

(138) Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C)

(151) Yang Hansen (POR - C)

Maven's Mind-Blowing Team

(8) Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG)

(17) Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF)

(32) LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG)

(41) Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF)

(56) Deandre Ayton (LAL - C)

(65) Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG)

(80) Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF)

(89) Nic Claxton (BKN - C)

(104) Tobias Harris (DET - PF)

(113) Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG)

(128) Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF)

(137) Neemias Queta (BOS - PF,C)

(152) Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU - PF,C)

Mike Catron - @watchtheboxes

(9) Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C)

(16) Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C)

(33) Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG)

(40) Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG)

(57) Darius Garland (CLE - PG)

(64) DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF)

(81) Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C)

(88) Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF)

(105) Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF)

(112) Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF)

(129) Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG)

(136) Brook Lopez (LAC - C)

(153) Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF)

Joel Bartilotta RW

(10) Trae Young (ATL - PG)

(15) Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C)

(34) Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C)

(39) Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG)

(58) Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF)

(63) Nikola Vučević (CHI - C)

(82) Michael Porter Jr. (BKN - SF,PF)

(87) Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG)

(106) Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG)

(111) RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF)

(130) CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG)

(135) Bilal Coulibaly (WAS - SG,SF)

(154) Yves Missi (NOP - C)

Matty G @NBAGEEWHIZ

(11) James Harden (LAC - PG,SG)

(14) Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG)

(35) Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF)

(38) Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF)

(59) Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C)

(62) Mark Williams (PHX - C)

(83) Fred VanVleet (HOU - PG)

(86) Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF)

(107) Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF)

(110) Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG)

(131) Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG)

(134) Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C)

(155) De'Andre Hunter (CLE - SF,PF)

SteveSaintP

(12) Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG)

(13) Stephen Curry (GSW - PG)

(36) Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM - PF,C)

(37) Myles Turner (MIL - C)

(60) Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF)

(61) Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG)

(84) Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF)

(85) Rudy Gobert (MIN - C)

(108) Kyrie Irving (DAL - PG)

(109) Isaiah Jackson (IND - C)

(132) Ace Bailey (UTA - SF)

(133) Egor Demin (BKN - PG)

(156) Chris Boucher (BOS - PF,C)

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Zolak & Bertrand share intel on Tatum's intense approach to Achilles rehab originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jayson Tatum is still a long way from returning to action for the Boston Celtics. But he seems hell-bent on making his absence as short as possible.

Tatum underwent surgery mere hours after rupturing his Achilles tendon on May 12 in the Celtics’ second-round playoff series with the New York Knicks. By early July, he was doing pool workouts. By August, he was out of his walking boot.

And what appears to be aiding his recovery is essentially treating it like a full time job.

Marc Bertrand and Scott Zolak, the co-hosts of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand radio show, revealed Thursday that they went out to dinner Wednesday night with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who relayed some positive news about Tatum’s recovery.

“The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab, and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process,” Bertrand said.

“(Tatum) did not leave town. He has been here the entire time. … Since the injury, he has not left town and he has been inside the building at the Celtics’ facility with their people and their team almost every single day for months.”

It’s not uncommon for injured players to be away from the facility during their rehab, especially during the offseason. For example, there were reports before Damian Lillard re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers that he planned to rehab from his torn Achilles in Portland, regardless of where he signed.

But Tatum apparently has been doing his entire rehab in Boston under the guise of the Celtics’ training staff at their facility. And his commitment to that rehab is such that he’s been in the building virtually every weekday, per Zolak.

“He’s taken trips. He’ll go away to a certain island or something,” Zolak said. “But he’ll get his Friday workout in, fly down, work out there at that place, fly back late Sunday night, and be right back in the building on Monday morning.”

“All summer long, all he did was take weekend trips away,” Bertrand added. “He did not go away for any extended period of time, because he wanted to be back to work on his rehab.

“He’s doing things that nobody asked him to do.”

What all of this means for Tatum’s return date is still unclear. The Celtics have refused to put a timeline on his recovery, and it’s still possible they hold him out for the entire 2025-26 season, especially if the team isn’t a serious playoff contender after losing several key players this offseason.

But if Tatum continues this round-the-clock approach to his recovery, don’t be surprised if the discussion around his possible return gets louder when the calendar flips to 2026.

Here’s more from Zolak & Bertrand on Tatum:

Tatum’s progress is undoubtedly encouraging. But even if he’s ready to play by late February or early March (about nine to 10 months after his surgery), it’s still possible the Celtics keep him out or slow-play his return to ensure he’s 100 percent healthy for the 2026-27 campaign, instead of rushing him back amid a season with lower expectations.

Either way, younger players like Walsh, second-year wing Baylor Scheierman and rookie Hugo Gonzalez will have opportunity for larger roles while Tatum is sidelined. And it sounds like there’s already a fierce competition playing out for those minutes on the Celtics’ practice courts.

“The energy is already different. You can feel it,” Walsh said. “It’s kind of like, everybody’s trying to find their footing. Everybody’s trying to make their way, because it’s a bunch of young guys who are not necessarily proven. It’s a lot of potential and unproven talent that’s on the team.

“You can feel it in every workout where everybody is going at each other’s necks. Everybody’s trying to earn that spot, earn that playing time, earn that position. So, it’s like a dog fight right now.”

Check out Walsh’s full interview with Forsberg on the latest Celtics Talk Podcast:

Sixers unveil 25th anniversary court for 2000-01 East champs originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers on Thursday unveiled the court they’ll play on 14 times this season in celebration of the 2000-01 Eastern Conference champion team. 

While the Sixers have not yet formally announced the jerseys they’ll wear on those nights, the team has strongly hinted at bringing back the black uniforms Allen Iverson and company wore that season.

Here’s a look at the 25th anniversary celebration court: 

The Sixers have said they plan to “honor the ’01 team’s legacy with alumni tributes, in-game and promotional throwbacks, custom merchandise, and much more.”

Their 25th anniversary nights are on the following dates:

• Nov. 8 vs. Raptors
• Nov. 9 vs. Pistons 
• Nov. 23 vs. Heat 
• Dec. 4 vs. Warriors 
• Dec. 7 vs. Lakers 
• Dec. 20 vs. Mavs
• Dec. 23 vs. Nets 
• Jan. 24 vs. Knicks
• Jan. 31 vs. Pelicans 
• Feb. 11 vs. Knicks
• March 3 vs. Spurs 
• March 4 vs. Jazz
• March 23 vs. Thunder 
• April 12 vs. Bucks 

Ramp to Camp: What's one thing you want to see from Mazzulla this season? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Every season of Joe Mazzulla’s tenure as Boston Celtics head coach has featured a rather unique challenge.

From being thrust into the fire after the dismissal of coach Ime Udoka, to watching the core of the team get overhauled before the 2024 title run, to trying to defend that crown last season with a virtually identical roster, there have been obstacles different from what most young coaches encounter during their initial runs in the big chair.

Even entering Year 4, Mazzulla will be challenged in a new way again during the 2025-26 season.

Mazzulla is now tasked with shepherding the Celtics out of a summer of change. There is new ownership, a new-look roster thinned of talent by a prohibitive second apron, and a glaring void as superstar forward Jayson Tatum rehabs from an Achilles tear.

It’s also another opportunity for Mazzulla to show why the Celtics have put their faith in him. After rewarding him with a long-term contract extension this summer, Boston’s brass has been adamant that he remains the right person to lead this team forward. The goal hasn’t changed, but the pathway to Banner 19 is much murkier.

For Day 14 of our Ramp to Camp series — and continuing our weeklong examination of what comes next for key members of the 2025-26 Celtics — the spotlight falls on Mazzulla.

It’s wild that Mazzulla has already coached nearly 300 games in green (246 regular-season games; 50 postseason). The 37-year-old coach ranks eighth among the 19 coaches in Celtics history in regular-season wins and could slide into the top five before the end of his current contract. 

Skeptics will suggest that while Mazzulla can thrive with talent-filled rosters — as evidenced by delivering Banner 18 in 2024 — he must still prove he can make the most out of more inexperienced groups.

And no one will be more excited for that challenge than Mazzulla.

Entering a season where we’ll find out a lot about the players on Boston’s roster, we’re equally intrigued to see how Mazzulla can put his imprint on this team. What’s next for Mazzulla is showing that he can make strategic decisions that help mask potential weaknesses exposed by the departure of veteran talent.

How can Mazzulla make life easy for Jaylen Brown as he elevates into the 1A role while Tatum rehabs? How can Mazzulla maintain the Celtics’ status as a top-10 defense after losing considerable size and experience in the frontcourt this offseason? How can Mazzulla deploy the talent on his new-look roster to maximize what remains? Can Mazzulla tweak the team’s play style — playing harder and faster — to mask some of the talent drain?

Can his so-called “Mazzulla Ball” thrive with the current mix of players? Can Mazzulla embrace playing younger talent in a way that wasn’t always desirable considering the veteran talent this team possessed?

There is little reason to think Mazzulla won’t be up to the task, that he can’t maximize this roster. Maybe his biggest challenge is that his current boss, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, was renowned for his ability to take lesser rosters and produce expectation-exceeding results. Fair or not, Mazzulla must show he can do the same.

We’re eager to see what changes he’ll embrace. The Celtics certainly seemed to signal a desire to play faster and harder with some of their offseason additions. The cupboards are far from bare with a team bringing back Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, but there are decisions to be made on the best way to deploy that talent while working in a newcomer like Anfernee Simons.

What’s next for Mazzulla might simply boil down to being more flexible. Maybe he has to lean harder into youth development. Maybe he has to tweak this group’s defensive tendencies or its offensive shot profile.

But as is the case for the players on his roster, it’s a chance for Mazzulla to show off a new side of his talents.

Here’s how our panel responded when asked what they want to see from Mazzulla:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Play the kids, Joe!

Mazzulla has been hesitant to give significant minutes to younger players, and that made sense when the Celtics were chasing championships. But it’s time for the head coach to think bigger-picture and focus on the development of recent draft picks like Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh — even if that means working through some growing pains.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I would say some creativity when the 3s aren’t falling.

I know that’s a critique that’s often most clear in retrospect, but when you’re missing 45 threes in a playoff game and losing by three points in overtime, there is plenty of room for a coach to adjust — even if temporarily — to take care of business on a given night. Thus far, Mazzulla’s “live or die by the 3” mantra has been taken to the extreme, regardless of in-game results.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I would like to see Mazzulla develop more of a versatile offense rather than living and dying by the 3.

It was more understandable when you had elite players and big men who could stretch the floor like Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. However, it doesn’t feel like Boston would have the same success without Tatum, and with Neemias Queta (who has never shot a 3-pointer in an NBA game) and Luka Garza (31.4 percent 3-point shooter on 1.3 attempts per game).

Overall, it will be interesting to see how Mazzulla fares with a less-talented lineup than any he’s had before.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Maximize impact from role players.

This is a new roster with a lot less high-end talent and depth, meaning the pressure will be on Mazzulla to pull the right strings with his rotations and minutes. The bench is almost all new faces, and some guys who had small roles last season will be elevated to bigger roles this season.

I am looking at Joe to help these players develop and find the right role for each one.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

I want to see Mazzulla lean into the defensive side of the court.

He’s known for his “Mazzulla Ball” offense, but if this team is going to overachieve, it needs to be great on defense.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Anything that allows the talking heads to stop complaining about how many 3s the team shoots.