Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is defying everything fans know about Achilles injuries and sports medicine in 2025-26. He returned from a ruptured Achilles tendon less than 10 months after suffering the injury, all but immediately flashing star qualities alongside Jaylen Brown.
Despite the inevitable excitement over Tatum returning to action and performing at a high level, the Celtics must continue to operate with a clear hierarchy in mind—one that has Brown alone at the top.
Tatum has been far better than anyone expected him to be. He's averaging 20.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.6 three-point field goals made through his first five appearances since the injury, and tallied 20 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in a recent win over the Washington Wizards.
Tatum's unreasonably impressive play has led many to ponder if he could potentially shake off the rust and return to his usual All-NBA First Team level once the playoffs begin next month.
For as exciting as that thought may be, it's time to pump the brakes. In watching Tatum, there are still moments in which one can't help but hold their breath. Whether he's slowly descending off of a rim-hanging dunk, taking a brief moment to compose himself before turning back and running up court, or even showing a slight hesitation on the drive, the Celtics superstar seems to be learning what his body is capable of at this point in time.
Whether it's purely mental or there's a physical element at play remains unknown, but Boston must continue to play through Brown and thus provide Tatum with the opportunity to pace himself on the continued road to a full recovery.
Celtics must play Jaylen Brown as the clear No. 1 to pace Jayson Tatum to a full recovery
The Celtics are in an ideal position as a team with the resources to take pressure off of Tatum. Boston was 41-21 when Tatum returned to the rotation, with the likes of Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, and Derrick White all turning in memorable seasons.
Most importantly, Brown hasn't just been playing at a high level with Tatum sidelined. He's an All-NBA First Team favorite and a dark horse MVP candidate.
Brown is currently averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game. He ranks fifth in the NBA in scoring average and is one of six players averaging at least 28.0 points and 5.0 assists per contest.
Fresh off of dropping 41 points, seven rebounds, and six assists against the 39-30 Phoenix Suns, Brown clearly isn't planning on slowing down.
With this in mind, the Celtics must utilize Tatum as a means to taking pressure off of Brown rather than attempting to shoehorn him back into a position as a true co-star. The time for said phase of Tatum's reintegration will hopefully come, but rushing that process could overburden him in a way his body isn't yet ready to handle.
Rather than taking a whole arm when the basketball Gods are offering a hand, the Celtics must allow Tatum to slowly return to peak form by continuing to play through Brown during his All-NBA First Team season.