What was once thought of as an inevitable 2025-26 return for Jayson Tatum has now become shrouded in doubt.
As the Boston Celtics superstar weighs his options, former Celtic Kendrick Perkins made his stance clear on whether or not JT should return this season.
Perkins’s point was that Tatum would help the Celts even if he’s coming back to regain his rhythm and operate not at full capacity, but as the 1B to Jaylen Brown’s 1A.
Tatum has been diligently working through his rehabilitation from a torn right Achilles tendon sustained in May 2025 during the playoffs against the New York Knicks. He underwent successful surgery shortly after the injury on May 13, 2025, marking the start of a challenging but steady recovery process.
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Now over eight months post-surgery, Tatum’s progress remains encouraging. Recent updates indicate no setbacks in his rehab, with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla describing the forward as “progressing naturally” and benefiting from a strong support team in sports science.
Tatum has ramped up his on-court activities, including an extended workout in front of reporters last week where he demonstrated increased workload and strength gains. He has shared glimpses of his training on social media, showing consistent improvements and feeling stronger each week.
Despite earlier indications that a return this season was a priority (potentially in the February or March timeframe) Tatum is currently weighing his options carefully.
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He is re-evaluating whether to play at all during the 2025-26 campaign, emphasizing the need to prioritize a full, lasting recovery given the injury’s severity. Tatum himself has stated he wants to approach the process thoughtfully to ensure everything is done correctly the first time, avoiding any risk of complications.
No final decision has been announced, and the Celtics continue to support his cautious timeline.
Featured image via Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images
