Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Says 2025-26 Comeback Remains Possible
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has not ruled out playing during the 2025-26 NBA campaign, despite an initial prognosis that the ruptured right Achilles tendon he suffered in May would sideline him for the entire season.
Speaking on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the 27-year-old six-time All-Star pushed back on the assumption that he will definitely miss the year. “First thing, I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” Tatum told the show’s hosts, adding that he attends rehabilitation sessions six days a week.
The standard recovery window for a torn Achilles ranges from six to 12 months. Tatum, now in his eighth NBA season, indicated that his rehabilitation is progressing steadily but emphasized that he will not rush the process. “The most important thing is a full recovery,” he said. “I’m not rushing it at all.”
Tatum tore the tendon in his right leg during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12. He was wheeled to the locker room and underwent surgery the following day. Boston described the procedure as successful but did not issue a timetable for his return.
In August, the forward appeared at a New England Patriots practice without a walking boot or brace, signaling encouraging progress. He also noted that he has been in frequent contact with fellow NBA players Damian Lillard, Dejounte Murray, and Tyrese Haliburton, all of whom sustained Achilles injuries last season. “We’re all in the same boat, just kind of checking in on each other,” Tatum said.
Tatum has been a key figure for Boston since being selected third overall in the 2017 draft. He earned his fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team nod last season and logged his fifth career 40-point postseason outing during Game 4 against the New York Knicks, tying franchise legends Larry Bird and John Havlicek for the most such games in Celtics history. He led the club in points, rebounds, and assists during the 2023-24 title run and trails only LeBron James in total playoff points before turning 28, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Celtics open the 2025-26 season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 22. Whether Tatum will be available for that matchup—or any part of the forthcoming schedule—remains uncertain, but the forward made clear that a mid-season return is still on the table.
Source: basketballinsiders.com
