The Boston Celtics are facing a tough reality check as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season without their star player, Jayson Tatum. The All-NBA forward’s torn Achilles tendon, sustained during a critical matchup against the New York Knicks in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, has cast a long shadow over the team’s prospects. With Tatum expected to miss a significant portion, if not all, of the season, the franchise must tread carefully regarding his return.
Former NBA champion Brian Scalabrine recently weighed in on the risks associated with bringing Tatum back mid-season. In a revealing conversation with Celtics play-by-play announcer Drew Carter on the “Celtics Talk” podcast, Scalabrine highlighted the complexities of reintegrating a player into high-stakes competition after such a severe injury. “There’s a reason (the NBA season) is 82 games,” he explained. “Just watch a playoff game and watch a preseason game: There’s so many levels in between. Getting thrown back into the middle of a race where you’re trying to get out of the play-in (tournament) and you’re playing these meaningful, high-level games, that is not ideal — not (just) for your Achilles, but for your body. There needs to be some build-up.”
The prudent course of action, according to Scalabrine, would be for Tatum to sit out the entire 2025-26 season, allowing him to fully rehabilitate and prepare for a robust return the following summer. This approach would ensure that when Tatum does step back onto the court, he is at peak performance, rather than risking further injury for minimal short-term gain.
Encouragingly, there are signs that Tatum’s recovery is progressing better than expected. An anonymous NBA scout, who observed Tatum at Chris Paul’s CP3 Elite Camp in Las Vegas, noted that the forward was moving around without a protective boot. “He was moving really well,” the scout remarked. “There might have been a slight limp or something, but the surprising thing to me is that he didn’t have a boot for any of it.” This assessment paints a promising picture of Tatum’s physical state, even as the timing of his return remains uncertain.
Tatum’s dedication to his rehabilitation is evident. In a recent Instagram story, he shared insights into his intense training regimen, revealing that he spends six days a week in the gym working with his trainer and friend, Nick Sang. “Rehab station, lift after that,” Tatum stated. “Six days a week, bro. I ain’t in here six days a week for no reason.” This commitment to his recovery is essential, as Tatum aims to avoid the pitfalls that can accompany a rushed comeback.
Despite his eagerness to return to the court, the Celtics face a challenging season ahead, with the team not projected to contend for a championship. This reality may compel the front office and coaching staff to exercise patience, prioritizing Tatum’s long-term health and performance over immediate results. As the Celtics look towards the future, planning for the 2026-27 season makes more sense, particularly when considering how to maximize Tatum’s contributions moving forward.
For fans and analysts alike, the unfolding saga of Jayson Tatum’s recovery will be one to watch closely. His journey back to the court not only affects his career but also shapes the future of the Boston Celtics as they navigate a season filled with uncertainty.
