Following Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA playoffs, he’s been expected to miss all of the coming season. The Boston Celtics traded away key pieces of their 2023-24 championship-winning roster, too. However, it seems like that might have been a bit premature.
Missing a four-time All-NBA First Team talent like Tatum is a surefire guarantee that championship contention is out of the question. But Tatum’s recovery has somehow been on an accelerated timeline, leading to increased optimism about a potential return. And as per the latest reports, he’s told the team that he plans on playing this season.
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“The Celtics haven’t ruled out Jayson Tatum for the season, and they’re cautiously optimistic,” Shams Charania said on the ‘Pat McAfee Show.’ “He has a goal in mind that he wants to play this season, and we’ll see if he gets there.”
The Celtics cannot contend without Tatum, but even if he does make it back, it surely won’t be before March next year. The team will also want to be as cautious as possible, considering that the six-time All-Star is still only 27 years old. His desire to play is commendable, but the team’s doctors are the ones who will ultimately make the decision.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum talks with reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Parity in the NBA is greater than it has ever been in recent times. Every star in the league will want to play each season, as most will feel that the championship is there for the taking. If Tatum does end up successfully making a return this season, it will be a testament to his incredible mentality and desire to play.
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