Dominique Wilkins could be a powerful source of motivation for Jayson Tatum as he embarks on the difficult road to recovery from his Achilles injury, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
Wilkins himself suffered a similar devastating injury in January 1992 – a ruptured Achilles tendon that, at the time, was widely regarded as potentially career-ending.
Yet, through relentless dedication and hard work, Wilkins made a remarkable comeback, returning in time for the opening night of the 1992-93 NBA season.
Not only did he return, but he also thrived, averaging an impressive 29.9 points per game and finishing fifth in the MVP voting that year.
Reflecting on the severity of the injury, Wilkins shared with Washburn, “That injury is a serious injury. And Jayson had the same type of injury I had, meaning he had a complete tear because there is no way you could walk off the floor.”
He emphasized the devastating nature of an Achilles rupture but also highlighted the critical role of commitment in recovery.
“The thing is the work he puts in is going to determine what he gets out of it,” Wilkins explained. “I worked twice a day every day for nine months and came back quicker than anybody. But it was my level of commitment…”
Wilkins also expressed confidence in Tatum’s determination, acknowledging the young star’s love for the game and his work ethic.
“Jayson is a kid that loves the game and I have a lot of respect and am a fan of his. I have no doubt that he’s going to put in the work to get back to the same level he was.”
Wilkins’ story offers not only hope but also a blueprint for overcoming one of the most challenging injuries in professional sports – a reminder that with relentless effort and dedication, a return to elite performance is possible.
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— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 15, 2025
