Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has not ruled out playing during the 2025–26 NBA season despite undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles in May.
Appearing on The Today Show, Tatum said he remains focused on his recovery while keeping the possibility of a return alive. “Not rushing it. But I haven’t said like, ‘Yo, I’m not playing this season,’ or anything like that,” Tatum said.
The 27-year-old forward has been working out six days a week as part of his rehab process. His comments suggest there is at least a chance he could take the court later this season if his progress continues.
Tatum suffered the injury on May 12 during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. The non-contact tear occurred late in the fourth quarter as he dove for a loose ball. He had surgery the following day.
The timing left uncertainty about whether he would miss the entire 2025–26 campaign, but his latest remarks show he is not ready to make that decision.
Tatum’s absence is a major challenge for Boston, which enters its 80th NBA season under new owner Bill Chisholm. The Celtics will also not appear in the Christmas Day showcase for the first time since 2015.
Before the injury, Tatum was producing at an elite level. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 72 regular-season games during 2024–25. He added a string of historic playoff performances, including three straight 35-point games in the first round against the Orlando Magic.
Tatum was also named an All-Star starter for the third straight year and posted multiple 40-point outings, tying Larry Bird and John Havlicek for the most such playoff games in Celtics history.
Boston still has All-NBA guard Jaylen Brown and newly acquired Anfernee Simons to carry the offensive load, but Tatum’s uncertain timeline looms over the franchise’s title hopes.
The Celtics added rookies Hugo González and Noah Penda in the 2025 NBA Draft, giving them young depth on the wing. Yet the team’s ceiling will largely depend on whether Tatum can make an unexpected return.
