Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell offered an encouraging update on Jayson Tatum’s recovery from his torn Achilles, though he cautioned that the team still doesn’t have a timetable for the All-Star forward’s return.
Appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Cassell praised Tatum’s progress and work ethic since undergoing surgery in May. “He’s coming,” Cassell said, via Yard Barker. “Everybody’s counting him out. I don’t know his plan for returning this season, but I like what I see so far. He’s not on crutches, he’s not hopping around. He’s active.”
Tatum suffered the injury during Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the New York Knicks on May 12. The non-contact tear occurred late in the fourth quarter as he chased a loose ball. Surgery was completed the following day.
Cassell emphasized that Tatum’s determination has been apparent since the beginning of his rehabilitation. “Jayson Tatum, he heals fast,” he said. “He’s not a guy who gets hurt and sits down. He may miss a day or two, but he doesn’t like missing games.”
The four-time All-NBA First Team selection is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season. However, Tatum himself has refused to completely rule out a return.
Appearing on The Today Show, the 27-year-old said, “Not rushing it. But I haven’t said like, ‘Yo, I’m not playing this season,’ or anything like that.” He added that his focus remains on steady progress rather than a specific comeback date.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Tatum is part of a group chat with other players recovering from similar injuries, including Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard. Fischer noted that modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods have shortened recovery timelines significantly.
“There’s definitely buzz that Tatum could potentially be back sometime in March,” Fischer said. “They probably made vast improvements in surgery and recovery. That is certainly true.”
Before the injury, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over 72 games last season. He was instrumental in Boston’s 2024 championship run and remained one of the league’s most consistent two-way players.
