When Jayson Tatum went down with a ruptured Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in May, the expectation was that he’d likely miss the entire 2025-26 season.
That very well could be the case, especially as the Boston Celtics enter a “gap year” with lowered expectations after losing Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and (likely) Al Horford this offseason.
But is there some chance Tatum turbo-charges his rehab to the point where he’s ready to play late in the 2025-26 season? And if he’s cleared to play, would the Celtics be willing to put him back in the lineup?
Team president Rich Gotham was posed that hypothetical Thursday at a groundbreaking event for an early childhood education center in Providence R.I. — and he didn’t exactly say no.
“That’s a down-the-road question. That’s one you can’t really answer today,” Gotham responded. “But what I know about JT is, he’s gonna do everything he can to put us in a position to make a decision.
“He’s gonna work hard to get back as soon as he can, and we’ll see how soon that is. But for right now, we’re not really looking at timetables.”
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens has insisted on multiple occasions that the Celtics aren’t putting a timetable on Tatum’s recovery. But that also means the team hasn’t ruled Tatum out for the 2025-26 season, as the Indiana Pacers did with Tyrese Haliburton shortly after he tore his Achilles in the NBA Finals.
And as long as Tatum isn’t officially ruled out, there will be speculation about a potential late-season return, especially given the way he’s attacking his rehab.
Tatum already was in the gym less than 50 days after his surgery and was filmed doing a pool workout without a cast over July 4 weekend. It appears he’s already ditched his walking boot and was walking without a noticeable limp at the Patriots’ training camp practice on Wednesday, as well as Thursday’s event in Providence.
NBA players typically have needed nine to 12 months to rehab from Achilles surgeries. Considering Tatum’s age (27) and work ethic, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s closer to that nine-month timeline, which would be February 2026.
The bigger question is whether the Celtics would want him to return to action, especially if they’re not a legitimate playoff contender in his absence, which seems likely. But Gotham would caution any fan writing off this team before the season starts.
“You’re going to see a team out there working as hard as possible,” Gotham said, per Dalzell. “I don’t think it’s inconceivable that we will be a good team — a good winning team — next year. I’m not sure it’s going to be the step down that people anticipate.”
So, what if the Celtics are in the playoff hunt next spring and Tatum looks ready to return? It sounds like the Celtics would have a decision to make.
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