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Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
It’s been almost 10 months since we last saw Jasyon Tatum on an NBA court. The Boston Celtics superstar suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals.
During a recent conversation on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Tatum was asked what he’s missed most while sidelined with an injury.
“It would be the fan engagement,” Tatum said. “I travel with the team. I go to all the games. Seeing all the fans in the stands with number zero and Tatum jerseys on makes me feel really good. There’s been a lot of low moments during this rehab process. And I just often think about running back on the court. Hearing the fans scream. That type of atmosphere and motivation.”
Tatum continued.
“That’s the best thing about what we do: the fan engagement, inspiring fans all across the world. Because we wouldn’t have all these things if we didn’t have that audience and the fans. So can’t stress enough how important they are.”
Tatum’s rehab process has recently taken a major step forward. He’s been cleared to play in controlled five-on-five scenarios. He’s spent time playing against the coaches, some members of the Maine Celtics and end-of-bench talent with the primary roster.
Tatum Remains Unsure Of An In-Season Return
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, speaking via a Feb. 17 episode of “NBA Today,” Tatum sill isn’t certain whether he will return to the rotation this season.
“I know everybody has seen that game got flexed to that spot on NBC on prime time. There’s a documentary that an NBC affiliate has been doing,” Shelburne said. “There are connecting dots. But, I checked in with Jayson Tatum, and he said, ‘I’ve still not made a decision on whether or not I’m coming back this year.’”
If Tatum does return, he will need a significant amount of games to get back into a rhythm. Therefore, if he’s not back before mid-March, it could become harder for him to get to the required level ahead of the postseason.
Celtics’ Tatum Doesn’t Have A Return Date In Mind
When speaking with the media following a Feb. 21 team practice, Tatum reiterated that he hasn’t set a return date.
“I do not have a date,” Tatum said. “Just take it one day at a time. I feel better than I did yesterday. That’s what is most important.”
Instead, the veteran forward continues to take his rehab on a day-by-day basis. His focus appears to be locked in on incremental improvements, rather than trying to sprint toward the finish line.
“Work out, see how you recover the next day, and then you just make a plan from there,” Tatum said. “It was a little five-on-five (on Wednesday). It’s tough to go into detail on every single thing I’m doing every day, but I will say I’m just getting acclimated more and doing little things with some of the guys out there, but it’s all part of rehab and just going with the plan.”
Sooner or later, Tatum will be cleared to get back on the floor. Whether that clearance will come this season continues to be a discussion point. Unfortunately for Celtics fans, Tatum and the coaching staff are keeping their cards close to their chest. As such, all we can do is wait and see how things play out.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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