Boston Celtics fans are finding it impossible not to get excited about Jayson Tatum’s potential return in 2025-26, even though it’s wisest to exercise caution and patience about the whole ordeal.
It would be easier to keep Tatum out of sight and out of mind if he stopped releasing workout videos, but that’s not the case, and ultimately, you can’t knock JT for posting updated vids now and then to share his progress, which has been miraculous. It probably helps Tatum’s psyche and motivation when he’s able to hear positive feedback and excitement from the videos.
Well, JT is sure to hear plenty of that after releasing his latest workout footage, which depicts him working on some 1-on-1 moves against mock defense at the Celtics’ practice facility.
Tatum still doesn’t look 100 percent mobile, but the fact that he’s even close is an absurd development, given we are still just short of 7 months from him tearing his Achilles on May 12.
If anything, Tatum’s time away from the court has given fans extra opportunities to reflect on his brilliant career thus far, which up until the Achilles had been defined by consistent durability (rare for a superstar in the modern era).
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Over eight seasons, Tatum’s earned six All-Star nods, four All-NBA First Team selections, and a spot on the 2018 All-Rookie First Team. His crowning achievement came in 2024, when he guided Boston to its 18th championship, averaging 25 points and nearly 10 rebounds in the playoffs. Tatum’s versatility—blending scoring prowess with playmaking—has fueled five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals trips for Boston during his tenure.
The 2024-25 campaign continued to showcase Tatum’s dominance before the heartbreaking turn. In 72 games, Tatum posted 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, securing his sixth All-Star berth and a fourth-place MVP finish. He elevated in the postseason, averaging 28.1 points and 11.5 boards across eight contests before the Achilles injury.
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Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
