Tatum will make season debut Friday vs. Mavs

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum will make his first appearance of the season Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, the team announced.

The 28-year-old hasn't suited up since rupturing his Achilles tendon last May in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal versus the New York Knicks.

The six-time All-Star previously expressed uncertainty if he would return this season, saying in late January that he "wants to get it right the first time, so it's just a lot to think about."

Tatum rejoins a Celtics team that has exceeded expectations in his absence. Boston enters Friday's contest with a 41-21 record, five games back of the conference-leading Detroit Pistons.

Jaylen Brown has stepped up with Tatum sidelined, posting career-best averages of 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game to earn his fifth All-Star selection.