The Boston Celtics are ringing in the new year with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
Just minutes after the clock struck midnight, the Celtics’ social media team sent out a bit of a cryptic message, which has NBA fans speculating.
“BIG things coming in 2026,” the social media post wrote, followed by a looking emoji. Fans saw it as a double-tease, with most responses assuming that the Celtics are suggesting that the veteran forward Jayson Tatum could return to the court.
BIG things coming in 2026 👀☘️ pic.twitter.com/Wwq1Bi2CKP
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 1, 2026
NBA Fans Are Speculating
@TrukBon: Jayson tatum ik is one
@SthembisoZunguX: I want Tatum back
@realmarirose: Jayson Tatum 🤲🏽☘️🐐💚💚
@hannas5: I love that people are assuming JT is coming back in 2026. For sure, a year is 12 months long. It can be February like it can be October. (Although we all know it will be Feb/March)
@RavensOsCelts08: Jayson Tatum plays basketball again this year
The last time the Celtics had Tatum on the court was during their second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks back in the spring.
Tatum went down with an Achilles injury that was expected to keep him off the court for the entire 2025-2026 season. However, Tatum has done enough promo this past offseason to suggest that he could suit up again before the 2026-2027 season.
He won’t publicly confirm or deny his official plans, and there has been plenty of visual evidence that suggests he’s progressing well. As a result, fans are buying into the idea that Tatum will take the court soon.
@xtra_icce: RESPECT JAYSON TATUM
@a1ranthony: BIG Deuce
@jtsoulz: tatum back soon
@WildGreenAussie: Sounds like JT is coming back
@Scallion1600: The GOAT returns
The Other Narrative
While the Tatum narrative is the overwhelming talking point under the cryptic post, some Celtics fans viewed “big” being in all-caps as a potential hint to Boston’s trade plans ahead of the February deadline.
The Celtics have been in their fair share of trade rumors, and it’s been suggested that they could target a big man. Obviously, that theory is more far-fetched as it doesn’t make much sense for Boston to show its hand before hitting the negotiating tables with other teams.