Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Celtics Praise Jayson Tatum’s Relentless Rehab as Return Timeline Remains Unset

Boston declines to project a return date despite encouraging rehab reports.

Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the Celtics' second-round playoff loss to the Knicks.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum warms up before a game at TD Garden.
Image
May 19, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and forward Jayson Tatum (0) talk during the first half against the Miami Heat in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Tatum had Achilles surgery within hours of his May 12 playoff injury and progressed to pool work by July and out of a walking boot by August.
  • Local hosts Marc Bertrand and Scott Zolak, relaying Joe Mazzulla after a dinner this week, said the team is very happy with Tatum’s focus and that he has been at the facility almost daily for months, taking only brief weekend trips.
  • Teammate Jordan Walsh said Tatum is moving around way better than earlier in the summer, reflecting visible mobility gains during his recovery.
  • The Celtics have not set a timetable and could keep Tatum out for much or all of 2025–26, with Mazzulla declining to commit when asked about a late-season return.
  • Some observers view a late-season or playoff comeback as possible if progress continues, and Tatum’s father has floated an optimistic eight- to nine-month window, while Boston readies larger roles for young players like Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez.