Jayson Tatum is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He suffered the injury during the Boston Celtics’ Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the New York Knicks last season. Despite initial fears that he might miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season, Tatum continues to provide encouraging updates on his recovery.
In recent weeks, Tatum has posted videos of himself in the gym, performing stationary dunks, walking through one-on-one scenarios with coaches, and going through dribbling drills. It’s clear that he’s aiming for a return at some point this season, assuming everything continues to go according to plan with his rehab.
On Monday, Tatum posted on social media about a potential return. The image had a one-word caption: “Soon.” In the image, Tatum is on the sidelines with his trainer, Nick Sang.
Tatum, 27, could return for the final quarter of the season. Nevertheless, even that return would mean he’s set for another two or three months on the sidelines. Still, Celtics fans are undoubtedly hopeful that the team’s superstar forward can suit up while there’s still enough time on the schedule to make a difference.
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Despite Tatum’s efforts and the fanbase’s optimism, the front office has continually noted that Boston won’t rush their star forward back from injury. Wyc Grousbeck, who is now the Celtics CEO and Alternate Governor, discussed Boston’s approach with Tatum during an October appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show.”
“We’re not gonna ever ask him to come back,” Grousbeck said, via CLNS Media’s John Zannis. “We’re assuming he’s not coming back. And we’re not even gonna have any discussions about it. If at the end of — at some point he’s gonna be ready to come back, whenever that is, we’ll get five doctors’ opinions. I’ll never bet against Jayson Tatum, but nor will he be asked by the Celtics to come back early. That’s not gonna happen.”
Even when Tatum is cleared to play, he will need time to get back to an All-NBA level. Nevertheless, his return to the court will be a legitimate boost, both to the roster and the fans. And, if Tatum has anything to say about when he’ll be back on the court, his return will likely be sooner rather than later.
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Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
