In the aftermath of tearing his Achilles tendon, Jayson Tatum vowed his injury would not define him. To turn that prophecy into a fact, he is attacking his rehab with the same dedication it took to become a four-time All-NBA First Team selection by the age of 27.
Tatum's progress to this point in his recovery has drawn praise from the NBA community. That now includes a message relayed to sports radio hosts Mark Bertrand and Scott Zolak.
In a recent edition of their show, Zo and Bertrand, on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, the latter relayed, "The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process."
"He's doing things that nobody asked him to do."@ZoandBertrand discussed how diligently Jayson Tatum is attacking his rehab process. Even when he takes trips, they're just for the weekend, then he's back at the Auerbach Center on Monday morning.pic.twitter.com/77ZEVtUonI
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) September 18, 2025
Bertrand also noted that the six-time All-Star has remained rooted in Boston this offseason. Tatum has been working out at the Celtics' practice facility, the Auerbach Center, rehabbing with the team's staff.
Zolak and Bertrand also shared that Tatum limited himself to weekend trips. Even then, he would rehab on Friday before leaving. He'd continue working out during these weekend reprieves, then be present at the Auerbach Center on Monday morning.
"He's doing things that nobody asked him to do," stated Bertrand of Tatum's commitment to the rehab process.
Jayson Tatum can return to All-NBA form
An Achilles tear has earned its reputation as arguably the most devastating injury an athlete can suffer. However, as Dr. Kevin Stone, a leading expert in Achilles tendon repair, explained to this author, there have been significant advancements in treating this.
That is a core factor in why Dr. Stone asserts, "there's nothing about an Achilles rupture that should prevent him from coming back better than he was before."
Details like the tear pattern and repair are significant. However, much of what happens next depends on how Tatum handles this injury mentally. As he previously acknowledged, there will be tough times during his road to recovery. The disciplined and relentless nature with which he's attacking his rehab is precisely how he makes good on his declaration of what's to come.
The Celtics cling to the hope that when Tatum returns, they will quickly reclaim their status as championship contenders. Seeing him go above and beyond in his recovery is clearly instilling confidence within the organization. Updates like this are also sure to be a bright spot for their fan base throughout the upcoming campaign.