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[Saba Sports News] Nearly a month ago, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered the biggest setback of his NBA career.
During the fourth quarter of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the six-time All-Star ruptured his right Achilles tendon and had to be helped off the floor—a moment that cast uncertainty over the Celtics’ immediate future and the upcoming offseason.
Tatum’s status for the 2025-26 season remains unclear, as Achilles recovery typically takes several months. While there’s no definitive timetable for his return, early signs from rehab have been encouraging.
On Saturday, just 25 days into his recovery, Tatum shared a positive update on X, “Day 25. Days starting to get a little easier.”
He underwent surgery on May 13 in New York City, less than 24 hours after the Celtics’ Game 4 loss to the Knicks. The operation was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery, just a short distance from Madison Square Garden, by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Martin O’Malley—the same doctor who successfully repaired Kevin Durant’s Achilles in 2019. Durant has since returned to All-NBA form, and Tatum hopes to follow a similar path.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens acknowledged the emotional weight of the injury but praised the smooth transition into rehab.
“I thought it was about as good of a transition in about as bleak of a feeling as you could have,” he said during his end-of-season press conference.
Tatum was already in contact with Celtics Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anthony Schena before leaving MSG, and the surgery was completed even before the team’s official injury update was issued the next day.
While the Celtics await more updates on Tatum’s recovery, his encouraging outlook offers hope. Boston faces a pivotal offseason, with potential roster moves looming as they try to navigate a hefty luxury tax bill. Despite the uncertainty ahead, the franchise knows it can count on Tatum’s determination as he works to return stronger than ever.