by When it comes to the superstar forward Jayson Tatum returning to the parquet court for the 2025–26 season, the odds are not in the Celtics’ favor.
Given the severity of his injury and the fact that it occurred near the end of the 2024–25 season, Tatum is expected to be recovering for the remainder of the upcoming season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Knicks in May.
There is a strong argument to be made that the Celtics would be better off protecting their most important asset by keeping Tatum out for the full 2025–26 season rather of rushing him back and running the danger of injury during a possible bridge year, even if he were cleared in the spring.
However, one basketball observer thinks Tatum may be ahead of schedule in his difficult recovery from such a serious injury.
In an article published Thursday, veteran Celtics reporter Steve Bulpett mentioned that he had a conversation with an NBA scout who had observed Tatum teaching at a basketball camp in Las Vegas this week. Tatum’s mobility without a boot was encouraging, the scout observed.
The scout informed Bulpett that he was moving really well. I find it interesting that he didn’t have a boot for any of it, even though there might have been a minor limp or something.
Although I’m not a doctor, I have witnessed men recover from Achilles injuries and look far forward. He was moving so well that I was a little taken aback. What any of this signifies for when he can return is unknown to me. He and the Celtics’ medical staff have their program in place, and I’m sure they’ll make sure he’s in the right place when he returns. But at the moment, he looks fantastic.
Tatum wasn’t running or jogging, the scout observed, but the Celtics star appeared to be in excellent physical condition at this point in his recovery.
Tatum, 27, posted pictures of himself exercising in a pool in June, more than two months into his recuperation from his torn Achilles.
Brad Stevens stated in a June statement that the Celtics are not setting a firm date for Tatum’s comeback to the court.
Regarding Tatum’s recuperation schedule after the first round of the NBA draft, Stevens stated, “We don’t and we won’t.”For a very long time, we won’t provide him a projected timeline. Right now, it’s small steps. He has really made amazing progress, but I’m not sure what it means in terms of anticipated timescales.
However, it will be done after consulting with him and everyone else to ensure that he is healthy and prepared for the court. And the top priority will be that.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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