Most analysts and fans have assumed that Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics will sit out for all of 2025-26 because of his serious Achilles injury.
But Tatum has other plans, and he wants everyone to know he is focused on coming back as soon as possible.
Tatum recently informed the Celtics that he wants to play later this season, according to Shams Charania.
That’s a massive testament to Tatum’s faith in his recovery, but he may not get his wish.
Jayson Tatum has informed the Celtics that he wants to play later this season, per Shams on @PatMcAfeeShow
Wow.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 9, 2025
Tatum injured himself back in May, and even though he has spent all summer working on his rehabilitation, most people expected him not to play at all in the upcoming season.
An Achilles injury doesn’t heal overnight, and the process has to be long in order for it to really work.
The worst thing that Tatum could do is rush back onto the court too quickly and make matters worse.
If he did that, he’d risk an even more severe injury that could throw his entire career into jeopardy.
Tatum wants to make his return, but the team and its doctors might prohibit him from doing that.
That is especially true if the Celtics are in bad shape as the playoffs approach.
If they have fallen into such a hole that there is no chance of reaching the Finals or going far in the playoffs, the team will urge Tatum to sit, no matter how good he is feeling.
But if things are tight in the Eastern Conference and Boston actually has a shot, they might take Tatum up on his offer.
However, the only way any of that will be possible is if Tatum continues to work on his recovery and takes things day by day.
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