Jayson Tatum
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Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
Will there be a return to the court for Jayson Tatum this season? The Boston Celtics are hoping that’s the case.
But for the time being, Tatum is working his way back at his own (fast) pace. After going down with an Achilles injury during the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, Tatum was one of multiple NBA stars to land in that position. He joined Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard.
All three are still in recovery, but Tatum is the only one planning for a potential return. Lillard and Haliburton accepted that their teams aren’t in competitive enough situations to make the recovery process as speedy as it could be. As for Tatum, his team’s eyes are on a title shot.
The Celtics Are Teasing A Tatum Practice Session
“Another day of work,” the Celtics’ social media team wrote on X on Saturday. That post featured multiple shots of Tatum getting some practice in. He’s still not cleared to return, but the star forward doesn’t seem too far away.
Recently, the Celtics started utilizing Tatum in practice sessions in a limited capacity. He also got some run in with the G League squad, the Maine Red Claws.
More Celtics News: NBA Insider Confident Tatum Will Return This Season
Earlier this month, Tatum was cleared to participate in 5-on-5 sessions. Without any signs of a setback since adding new milestones in his recovery, Tatum seems to be taking some notable steps closer to recovery.
What’s The Latest On Jayson Tatum’s Return Plans?
GettyJayson Tatum is making a speedy recovery for the Boston Celtics this season.
Before the 2025-2026 NBA season tipped off, Tatum sounded like a man on a mission. He seemed to be extremely sure he would return by the spring. As time went on and the Celtics thrived, the veteran star sprinkled in a little bit of doubt regarding his initial plans.
However, the Celtics continued to operate as if they could have him back for their upcoming playoff run. In need of a front-court upgrade, the Celtics traded with the Chicago Bulls in order to acquire Nikola Vucevic. That was their big win-now move before the deadline capped further deals.
More Celtics News: Notable Jayson Tatum Return Update
Since debuting, Vucevic and the Celtics have won three out of their last four games. As of February 21, the Celtics are 36-19 on the year. They are trailing the top-seeded Detroit Pistons by 5.5 games. Boston holds a 1.0-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Heading into the season, the Celtics were widely believed to be in a gap year. Without Tatum, there were doubts about Boston’s chances of becoming a top-six team. Those worries are wiped away.
There is a major incentive for Tatum to return if he completes his recovery without any setbacks. Just two years ago, Tatum was a major contributor to the Celtics’ NBA Finals run. He has more than enough playoff experience, mixed with a successful championship campaign.
All signs were already pointing to Tatum making a return sometime after February. The Celtics’ latest post adds more fuel to the situation. Soon, the basketball world will get clarity on the conclusion of his timeline.