For the majority of the offseason, it seemed like any possibility of Jayson Tatum suiting up for the Boston Celtics this year was a pipe dream. The star forward tore his right Achilles tendon on May 12 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks.
Just under five months later, the optimism surrounding a potential return for Tatum this season can’t be stopped.
Most recently, ESPN’s NBA Insider Shams Charania went on The Pat McAfee Show and reported that neither Tatum nor the Celtics has given up hope on a 2025-26 comeback.
“The Celtics have not ruled him out,” Charania explained to McAfee. “I think the Celtics are cautiously optimistic. Clearly, Jayson Tatum has a goal in his mind that he wants to play. Now, whether he can get there by the time we’re in February, March, and April, we’ll see.”
"The Celtics haven't ruled out Jayson Tatum for the season and they're cautiously optimistic..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2025
He has a goal in mind that he wants to play this season and we'll see if he gets there" @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nfVq9tHOaB
Of course, there are plenty of doctors who will have to clear Tatum before he returns to action. It’s not just going to be up to him.
Another interesting tidbit Charania shared was that the team’s success could play a factor in this eventual decision. Sure, it’s something that fans have speculated on, but to hear it being reported from a reputable source like Shams elevates the discussion for sure.
It also adds more weight to some of these early-season Celtics games. All of a sudden, a year that most had considered to be a wash now has new meaning.
The Tatum hype train just keeps chugging along
Again, Charania’s intel isn’t the first positive update fans have gotten on Tatum’s recovery. In fact, the man himself has been extra vocal about his goals lately.
A few weeks back, he went on a media tour and basically told everyone who would listen that he’s hoping he can return at some point this season.
Days later, he shared footage on his YouTube channel showing his first on-court workout since the injury.
“I’m rusty as a m***********,” Tatum said during the video. “I’m working my tail off to get back. To get healthy for the love of the game.”
There’s been speculation, leading back to the night of the injury, that Tatum could recover quickly because of how soon after the tear he had his surgery.
It’s something that we’re all just going to have to wait and see, but as of now, all signs are showing that he’s headed in the right direction.