We’ve reached the point in Jayson Tatum’s recovery where everyone with a microphone or a social media account has suddenly become a doctor. We’ve got fans and media members speculating about a return, talking as if they know what’s going on, what’s going on with JT’s body or in his mind.
In reality, the only person who really knows is Tatum himself. The team and those close to him probably have a good idea as well, but at the end of the day, this could end up being a career-defining moment in his life and career. It’s important to make sure everyone gets it right.
Souichi Terada, of Mass Live, talked to actual experts for a piece on the recovery process and spoke with multiple doctors and former players.
What he learned above all is that this type of injury can be devastating, and progress and recovery are non-linear. Just because somebody came back after X amount of time doesn’t mean that will be true for someone else. Everybody, and every situation, is unique. The goal from day one has been to get Tatum back to where he was before the injury, and however long that takes, that’s still the goal 100%.
Doctors tempering expectations for Tatum return
This injury has been career-ending for ages, and while recoveries have gotten a lot better, rushing JT back just because the Celtics are playing well is a nonstarter. He has to be 100% ready physically and mentally to even consider getting out there. But, with how well everything has gone, that may be a possibility.
Terada spoke with Dr. George Theodore from Mass General, who said the typical recovery timeline is 9-12 months, but even then, studies show that athletes are initially operating closer to 85% of their former selves, with performance often declining in the first season back.
Dr. Kevin Farmer also talked about how much better doctors have gotten at fixing these issues and pushing to get athletes back more quickly. Both Farmer and Theodore also spoke about how helpful it was that Tatum got the surgery so quickly, but there’s still a lot of uncertainty.
Both doctors also lamented how the NBA game has changed recently, which seems to align with an uptick in achilles tears. We’ve come to just expect Tatum to be superhuman and will return this season and be completely fine. But we need to remember some things.
He is human. This is a devastating injury that can affect performance and career longevity. There are no certainties, and nothing is linear. As badly as we all want to see Tatum out there, dominating again, we have to be smart. If that means waiting a little bit longer, so be it.