The Boston Celtics thought Jayson Tatum would return this season, but Chris Haynes says the situation is now “up in the air”. Tatum is considering multiple factors in evaluating his return. Everyone thought Tatum would make a quick recovery from his Achilles surgery, but things have changed.
That is certainly not what fans want to hear. The Celtics are tied for second in the Eastern Conference and looking like a serious contender in the East without Tatum. Getting the six-time All-Star back at even below peak form would have certainly helped Boston’s cause.
Things appeared to be trending toward a Tatum return, which makes this new report even more painful. The 27-year-old should be in his prime and has already led the Celtics to a championship. Fans were dreaming of another, but those plans may be on hold.
Rumors suggest Jayson Tatum may not return this season
Haynes’ report was not definitive. Tatum may still return this season, but the superstar’s stance has changed. He was all-in on returning, but is now questioning if that is the right course of action. There is always doubt when returning from injury, and giving more time to heal is always wise after a devastating one like a torn Achilles.
The smart move for the Celtics was to always hold him out for the season. Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in mid-May during the second round of the playoffs. It was always going to be a quick recovery if he got back on the court this season. There is no reason to risk him suffering another injury in his prime, especially when Boston has him locked up through 2030 on a $313 million contract.
The NBA is better with Tatum playing. He makes the Celtics a title contender and gives them a chance to win every game. Boston being elite is fantastic for the league. Nobody wants to see the superstar miss an entire season of his prime, but he can’t rush back either. Fans are feeling the brutal blow right now. That will change if sitting out a few extra months keeps JT healthy for the rest of his career.
The Celtics are winning without him. Jaylen Brown has taken the superstar leap, and Brad Stevens has put the pieces around him to make Boston a threat. Even if Tatum sits for this season, the franchise has a shot to make a deep playoff run. That will only make things better when the superstar returns.
The Boston Celtics may be without Jayson Tatum for the entire 2025-26 season if the latest rumors are true. The superstar is determining the best course of action. Fans know that path is sitting out, but that doesn’t keep them from being disappointed. It is a brutal blow that nobody wanted. Hopefully, it is the best long-term solution, so everyone gets the maximum amount of healthy Tatum.