Monday was a rough day for the Boston Celtics. Not only did the team lose Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, but Jayson Tatum also tore his right Achilles tendon.
Tatum had surgery to repair his Achilles on Tuesday in New York. According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, Tatum's surgery was performed by the same doctor who repaired Kevin Durant's Achilles tear.
A six-time All-Star, Tatum had an emotional conversation with his father after tearing his Achilles tendon. Spears revealed the details of the talk on NBA Today with Malika Andrews of ESPN.
The Celtics signed Tatum to a five-year, $314 million extension last summer. Tatum will make $54.1 million next season, $58.5 million in 2026-27, $62.8 million in 2027-28 and $67.1 million in 2028-29.
A Duke product and future Hall of Famer, Tatum has a player option worth $71.4 million for the 2029-30 season.
Boston selected Tatum with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The gifted scorer has made four All-NBA teams.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0).
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0).
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Tatum helped the Celtics win the title last year against the Dallas Mavericks in five games. The talented small forward has career averages of 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks with Boston.
Tatum averaged 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.8 blocks in the 2025 playoffs versus the Orlando Magic and Knicks. The Celtics beat the Magic in the first round of this year's playoffs in five games.
Boston is down 3-1 to New York. Jaylen Brown and Co. have to win three games in a row to save their season, starting with Game 5 at home on Wednesday.