Jayson Tatum Wants to Return, But the Celtics Need to Think Bigger Picture
Jayson Tatum is doing what stars do - pushing through adversity, grinding through rehab, and eyeing a return to the court after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs. It’s classic Tatum: competitive, committed, and laser-focused on helping the Celtics win. But here’s the reality Boston has to face - just because he can come back doesn’t mean he should.
Make no mistake, the Celtics need Tatum if they’re going to seriously contend. Without him, they’re a middle-of-the-pack team with a shaky frontcourt and questions about depth.
But that’s exactly why Boston has to protect its franchise cornerstone. Because if they rush him back too soon, they risk more than just this season - they risk the next five.
Achilles Injuries Don’t Play Fair
Tatum’s injury happened back on May 12, during the second round of the playoffs against the Knicks. Since then, he’s been rehabbing hard and reportedly looks sharp - already shooting off the dribble and changing direction.
That’s no small feat for someone recovering from an Achilles tear. But the Celtics have to look at the bigger picture.
We’ve seen how tricky Achilles injuries can be. Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton both suffered similar setbacks and have already been ruled out for the season.
Kobe Bryant famously returned after nine months, but it didn’t end well - a knee injury just six games later shut him down again. It’s a cautionary tale Boston can’t afford to ignore.
Tatum just entered his prime and kicked off a massive five-year, $313.9 million contract. The Celtics need him healthy not just for 2026, but for the long haul. That means making the tough call now, even if it’s unpopular: shut him down for the season.
The Risk Isn’t Worth the Reward
Let’s say Tatum follows the Kobe timeline and comes back post-All-Star break. That gives him around 28 games to ramp up before the playoffs.
But Boston’s current position in the East means they’d likely be fighting through the Play-In Tournament just to get to the first round. That could mean an immediate matchup with teams like the Pistons or Knicks - and no room for error.
Now imagine asking Tatum to jump into that kind of high-stakes environment and instantly log 35+ minutes a night. That’s not just a tall order - it’s a dangerous one.
Achilles injuries don’t just heal with time; they require patience, a carefully managed workload, and a long runway to return to full explosiveness. The Celtics can’t shortcut that process just because the standings are tight.
Boston’s Path Forward
The Celtics are in a tricky spot. They’re not out of the playoff picture, but without Tatum, they’re not a true contender either. And while the Eastern Conference is wide open this season, Boston doesn’t have the firepower to take full advantage - not without their superstar at full strength.
That’s why this decision has to come from the top. Tatum’s mentality is exactly what you want in a franchise player - he’s wired to compete.
But it’s on the organization to protect him from himself. The smart move is to take the long view: rule him out now, focus on building around a healthy core, and come back stronger next season with a fully recovered JT leading the charge.
No One Questions Tatum’s Heart
What Tatum’s done during his recovery is nothing short of impressive. He’s stayed locked in, kept working, and shown the kind of resilience that defines great players.
That’s why fans love him. That’s why Boston believes in him.
And that’s exactly why the Celtics need to take the cautious route.
This isn’t about questioning his desire or toughness - it’s about ensuring he’s able to play at an elite level for years to come. The Celtics have a future Hall of Famer on their hands. Now it’s time to protect that future.
Letting Tatum sit the rest of the season might sting in the short term, but it’s the kind of decision that could pay off for the next decade. The Celtics have a franchise to protect - and it starts with protecting their franchise player.