May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jayson Tatum keeps hope for a quick return as he recalls a rupture of the Achilles tendon.
The Boston Celtics winger Jayson Tatum does not exclude finding the prosecution in the 2025-26 season, despite a rupture of the Achilles tendon suffered during the last NBA playoffs. The player spoke about the progress of his rehabilitation in the program First Take of ESPN, Tuesday.
“I never said that I would not play this season”, said Tatum. “The most important thing is to be 100 % restored, without haste. But I’m not going to train six days a week for nothing either. »»
The injury occurred at the end of the match 4 of the conference semi-finals is against the New York Knicks. Victim of a rupture of the Achilles tendon, Tatum had to go through surgery. Deprived of their star, the Celtics were eliminated two games later.
Given the severity of the injury, the initial forecasts suggested that Tatum would miss all 2025-26 season. However, the franchise has not set a specific calendar for its return, and the player shows notable progress in his rehabilitation.
The Celtics broadcast several videos of their winger participating in reinforcement exercises. In August, Tatum was even seen during a training of the New England Patriots, without orthopedic boot or special protection – enough to feed the hope of a faster than expected return.
Similar precedents
Tatum is not the only player to have seen his season upset by a break from the Achille tendon in Playoffs. Damian Lillard, then at Milwaukee Bucks, suffered the same injury in the first round. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers, injured Achilles tendon in the first quarter of the NBA match 7 against Oklahoma City Thunder.
Aware of these similarities, Tatum has confided to stay in regular contact with his bad luck teammates:
“We exchange a lot […] We are each at different stages. I often send messages to find out what they can already do and how their training is going. We are all in the same boat, we support each other. »»
What season for Boston?
Champions NBA two years ago, the Celtics tackled a period of uncertainty linked to the possible long absence of tatum. The team also had to make significant adjustments this summer to respect the Salary Cap, separating from major parts like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Despite everything, Tatum wants to be optimistic:
“Being part of the Celtics means defending a standard. It doesn’t matter who is on the ground, we play to win titles. It doesn’t change. »»
Celtics will start the regular season the October 22 at TD Garden in front of Philadelphia 76ers.
Credit Photo: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
