Jayson Tatum's Road to Recovery

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is working hard on his recovery after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in May, but he isn't closing the door on a return this season. In a recent appearance on ESPN's First Take, Tatum mentioned the possibility of coming back during the 2025-26 campaign. "First thing, I haven't said I'm not playing this season," he stated, emphasizing his determination to expedite his rehab.

Tatum acknowledged the importance of a full recovery, saying, "The most important thing is a full recovery. And I'm not rushing it ... at all. But also, I don't go to rehab six days a week for nothing." The injury occurred during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 12, leading to successful surgery the following day.

Progress and Expectations

As part of his recovery, Tatum participated in a 20-minute on-court workout, marking his first activity since the injury. Dr. Martin O'Malley, Tatum's surgeon, has reported impressive progress in his rehabilitation, with Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens noting that Tatum has made significant strides since the surgery. "He's actually progressed great, but I don’t know what that means in regard to projected timelines," Stevens said. His return will depend on consultations with Tatum and medical staff to ensure he is fully prepared and healthy.

Reports have noted that Tatum looks "way ahead" in his recovery, displaying impressive movement just weeks post-surgery. Known for durability throughout his career, Tatum had played 706 regular-season and playoff games since being drafted in 2017, the most of any NBA player during that time.

Looking Ahead

At 27 years old, Tatum remains in the prime of his career. Despite the recent setback, he had an All-NBA worthy season in 2024-25, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, while leading the Celtics to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. Both Tatum and the Celtics remain optimistic that he can return to the court this season, showcasing his remarkable talent once again.