Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum provided a promising update on his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his 2024–25 season and cast doubt over his availability for the 2025–26 campaign.
“Day 25… days starting to get a little easier,” Tatum tweeted on June 7, marking his most optimistic public statement since undergoing surgery in May.
The six-time All-NBA selection suffered the injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. Tatum went down without contact while diving for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the postseason.
The 27-year-old had been producing at an elite level before the injury. Through eight playoff games, he averaged 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 37.2% from three-point range.
Tatum’s dominant postseason included a 42-point performance at Madison Square Garden and a stretch of three consecutive games with at least 35 points, a feat matched only by Larry Bird in Celtics playoff history.
During the regular season, Tatum led Boston to a 61–21 record while posting 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game across 72 appearances. He was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the third straight year.
In July 2024, Tatum signed a five-year supermax extension worth up to $314 million, the richest contract in NBA history. His injury came just months after helping the franchise capture its 18th championship during the 2024 NBA Finals.
No official timetable has been announced for Tatum’s return, though Achilles recoveries typically require nine to twelve months. The forward’s brief message suggests incremental progress as he begins the long process of rehabilitation.
