Boston Celtics fans were distraught after Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. With Tatum sidelined for months, Boston knew it was facing a major setback.
Expecting a reset season, the Celtics traded away key pieces from their 2023 championship squad, including Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, to shed salary. The team also moved on from veteran center Al Horford, electing not to re-sign him in free agency.
Boston’s focus has shifted to acquiring younger, cheaper talent, making contention this year less likely. Still, if the Celtics can stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, Tatum has not ruled out a return.
Appearing on Today with Jenna & Friends, Tatum left the door open: “That is the million-dollar question. I think for me and my team, the doctors, the organization, the most important thing is making a full recovery [and] being back 100%. Not rushing it. But I haven’t said like, ‘Yo, I’m not playing this season,’ or anything like that. I have a goal in my mind… I’m not working out, rehabbing six days a week for no reason.”
This news comes after reports that Tatum was diligently rehabbing, having not left the city of Boston since returning from New York after tearing his Achilles.
The update is welcome news for Celtics fans — and for the team itself. In an era where some stars take a cautious approach, Tatum’s discipline, resilience and drive to compete stand out.
In the meantime, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and the recently acquired Anfernee Simons will lead the way for Boston in the 2025-26 season.