Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season due to a ruptured right follow-up tendon, but the eight-year veteran is confident in the potential returns.
Jayson Tatum hopes to return in 2025-26 season
Tatum, 27, made clear on Tuesday’s ESPN episode first He can come back when asked how his injury will give Jaylen Brown a bigger chance to lead the team.
“The first thing I didn’t say I didn’t play this season,” Tatum said.
The typical timeline for returning from the ruptured Achilles is six to twelve months, but six-time All-Star selections have been steadily improving in his recovery program.
“I won’t go to heal six days a week.” 👀
Jayson Tatum returns to the gate this season 😤 pic.twitter.com/8o5umxg1dt
– First (@firsttake) September 23, 2025
“It’s hard to plan to play basketball.”
Jayson Tatum feels after tearing Achilles apart pic.twitter.com/wsbp0vpdk4
– First (@firsttake) September 23, 2025
In August, Tatum participated in New York Patriots practice without walking boots or support.
“The most important thing is full recovery. I’m not in a hurry…” “But, I won’t go to heal six days a week.”
Tatum also said he has been in touch with other NBA athletes who suffered Achilles rupture last season: Damian Lillard, Dejounte Murray and Tyrese Haliburton.
“We’re all talking all the time…Dejounte, Dame, Tyrese…We’re all at a different point in recovery. I’ve been texting them and asking what you can do, what you do in your workout. We’re all on the same boat and just checking each other.”
Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2025 NBA playoffs
Tatum suffered a correct Achilles tendon injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12. All NBA members of the fifth-class were taken to a locker room in a wheelchair for inspection.
The Celtics announced that he had undergone surgery the next day. The team said the surgery was successful and there was no timetable to return.
Tatum has been one of the best players in the league since being selected as third in Boston in the 2017 draft.
Last season, he was shortlisted for the All-NBA No. 1 for the fourth consecutive time, making him one of only 43 players in league history.
His 42-point game against the New York Knicks in Game 4 is also the fifth time in his career, with at least 40 points in the playoffs, and he is tied to the most in Celtics history with Hall of Famers Larry Bird and John Havlicek.
Tatum leads with points, rebounds and assists in the Boston 2023-24 Championship. He is also second only to LeBron James in the 27-year-old overall playoffs, according to ESPN statistics and information research.
The Celtics held the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22, opening the 2025-26 season.
