Jayson Tatum targets NBA return amid ruptured Achilles

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum isn’t shutting down the possibility of an NBA return this upcoming season despite rupturing his Achilles tendon four months ago.

Even with critics pushing him to take the whole year off for full recovery, the C’s franchise player is optimistic that he can play and help Boston weather the storm.

In an episode of ESPN’s First Take segment, Tatum appeared in an interview and said: “I haven’t said I’m not playing this season.”

Tatum sustained his injury on May 13, 2025, when the New York Knicks completed a 14-point comeback to move a win away from dethroning the reigning NBA champions in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

With 3:07 remaining in the pivotal Game 4 of the series, Tatum fell without any contact after attempting to dive for a loose ball. He then grimaced in pain while holding his right ankle, the worst sight to see for the Boston fans who flocked to New York.

Tatum failed to get up and held on to his ankle for a prolonged period, receiving help from the Celtics’ medical team. After a couple of minutes, the star small forward finally got up and headed to the locker room for evaluation.

Without their franchise player, who was having a stellar Game 4 performance, Boston folded under the pressure and conceded another game to the Knicks, trailing 1-3 in the series, 113–121.

Before exiting the game, Tatum was bound for another masterclass after already tallying 42 points built from an efficient 16-of-28 shooting from the field while also doing all the intangibles and energy plays for the Celtics.

He stuffed the stat sheet with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks, and could’ve recorded more if it wasn’t for that season-ending injury in the fourth.

Days after rupturing his Achilles, Tatum immediately went under the knife and is currently engaging in an intensive rehabilitation process to speed up his recovery.

Tatum helped the Celtics clinch the No. 2 playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists during the regular season.

The former NBA champion delivered more in the playoffs against the Orlando Magic and the Knicks, tallying 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 dimes in eight postseason games.

“The most important thing is a full recovery. Being 100%. Not rushing at all,” Tatum added.

“But also, I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.”