Celtics’ Jayon Tatum Thanks Klay Thompson for Injury Advice

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Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum resembled his pre-injury self again on Wednesday night, finishing with 25 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 147-129 victory over the Miami Heat.

After the game, Tatum gave a special shout-out to Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson, who, like Tatum, suffered a devastating Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020-21 season and part of the 2021-22 campaign.

Tatum revealed that Thompson gave him some sage advice after he returned from an Achilles injury against the Dallas Mavericks last month.

Jayson Tatum Thanks Klay Thompson

When asked whether there’s been a “turning point” in the joy he’s felt since returning from a devastating Achilles injury, Tatum detailed his conversation with Thompson.

“Klay [Thompson] told me this after we played them the first time, he’s just like, ‘Man, he’s like one thing he wished he did more, when he first came back was just give himself more grace,” Tatum said, via CelticsBlog’s Noa Dalzell.

“He was like, ‘There’s not too many people who understand what this injury is like and coming back and the ups and downs, physically and mentally that you deal with.’ That’s just something I’ve tried to continue to remind myself.”

Jayson Tatum Feels ‘Grateful’

Tatum explained why he feels “grateful” to be on the floor with his Boston Celtics teammates less than 10 months after his basketball future was in jeopardy.

“It’s a balance of being a competitor and wanting to be the best version of yourself, but I just kind of try to remember, ‘I’ve came a long way, and I’m grateful to be where I’m at.’

“I wasn’t 100% sure I was even gonna be able to play this year, so the fact that I’m able to go out there and contribute even what I’m doing now is a big win.”

When asked if he’s been applying Thompson’s advice, he had an interesting response.

“I try. I still get frustrated,” Tatum responded.

Tatum is averaging 21.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals on 40/32/82 shooting splits in 12 games since his return. After an initial shooting slump, Tatum has seemingly regained his stroke in recent weeks, averaging 25.5 points on 38% shooting from three over his last five games. The 28-year-old has also seen a significant uptick in minutes, clocking 34.9 minutes over his last three games after being on a severe minutes restriction in his first five games back from injury.

The Celtics are the overwhelming betting favorites to represent the East in the 2026 NBA Finals, largely thanks to Tatum’s successful return from injury.

Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan