The Boston Celtics are entering the 2025-26 campaign in unfamiliar territory after a disappointing offseason.
For the first time since the 2016-17 season, the Celtics won’t have Jayson Tatum on the floor for Opening Night. The superstar forward suffered a ruptured Achilles in the team’s Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the New York Knicks and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season.
Adding to Tatum’s injury, the Celtics lost several key contributors from their 2024 title run. The team traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in cost-cutting moves, losing Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs and Al Horford to the Golden State Warriors in free agency. Boston, led by head coach Joe Mazzulla, will now look to remain competitive until Tatum is cleared to return.
MORE: Celtics insiders share Jayson Tatum injury update from coach Joe Mazzulla
Joe Mazzulla speaks on Jayson Tatum’s recovery
Although Tatum suffered the devastating Achilles injury less than five months ago, he’s already back on the court participating in individual drills. Mazzulla has been by his star player’s side throughout the process, observing every step of his recovery, according to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald.
“I was there for the first time he walked. I was there for the first time he ran. I was there for the first shot that he took. I think it’s important,” Mazzulla said.
Achilles injuries have historically proven career-altering, but Tatum is putting the work in and aims to return to All-Star form by the 2026-27 season. He also hasn’t ruled out a comeback during the 2025-26 season and could be brought back if the Celtics are well-positioned for a playoff push.
Boston’s new-look roster may still need adjustments — particularly in the frontcourt — to make that possible. In the meantime, the team will rely heavily on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White as they attempt to reach the postseason for a 12th consecutive campaign.
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