Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Achilles) participates in scrimmage

Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Tuesday, taking a crucial step in his recovery from a right Achilles tear last May.

The Boston star practiced with the club's G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, and was encouraged by how he felt afterward.

"Today is 39 weeks (since the injury) so it's been a long journey," Tatum told reporters. "And it's just the progression of rehab, the next step. Doesn't mean that I'm coming back or I'm not. We're just following the plan.