Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is expected to lean on Kevin Durant’s Achilles rehab experience as a model for his own recovery.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Tatum will consult with Durant, who returned to All-NBA form after suffering a similar injury in 2019.
Tatum underwent surgery this week to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, which he suffered late in the fourth quarter of Game 4 in Boston’s second-round series against the New York Knicks.
According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Justin Tatum revealed his son could miss 8 to 9 months, putting the 2025-26 season in jeopardy for the Celtics forward.
The 27-year-old had been instrumental to Boston’s title hopes, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game this season.
Tatum’s production helped guide the Celtics to a 61-21 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.
Durant’s own recovery from a torn Achilles took roughly 18 months, but he returned to post averages of 26.9 points on 53.7% shooting with Brooklyn in 2021.
Boston is hopeful that by studying Durant’s path, Tatum can avoid setbacks and regain his All-Star form by 2026.
