When Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs, it seemed like a long road ahead, with expectations that he'd miss the entire 2025-26 season. Yet, here we are, with whispers of a miraculous recovery and a potential return just in time for the playoffs. But while his body might be on the mend, the mental readiness of the Boston Celtics star is still a question mark.
Tatum faces several hurdles before he can hit the court again. He needs to pass a physical exam, undergo a mental assessment, engage in full-court 5-on-5 play with contact, and get the final green light from the team. It’s a tall order, and there’s a chance he might not clear all these steps before the season wraps up.
NBA insider Chris Haynes shared insights from a personal conversation with Tatum, revealing the player's mindset. Tatum is determined to return as the star everyone knows, not just a shadow of himself.
“He wants to come back as Jayson Tatum, the star player. And he does not want to be a hindrance… He doesn’t want to come back and apply a road block to the Celtics,” Haynes reported via NBA on Prime.
Given how the Celtics have performed this season, Tatum's approach makes sense. Even without him, they’ve secured the #2 seed in the East. While they miss his presence, they've shown resilience and strength, easing the pressure on Tatum to rush back.
The Celtics organization is aligned with this approach. Haynes noted, “The Celtics are not pressuring him, and I was told Tatum doesn’t feel any pressure from the Boston Celtics.”
Tatum himself emphasized his commitment to returning only when fully ready. “I’m working hard and working vigilantly to put myself in a position where if I can come back, I will be physically and mentally ready,” Tatum shared with Haynes.
Achilles injuries rank among the most challenging in sports, so Tatum’s cautious return is understandable. While fans are hopeful, it wouldn't be shocking if he sits out the season entirely, despite his clear ambition to rejoin his team.
For now, Tatum's journey back to the court is ongoing, and expecting him to jump into the heat of the playoffs might be a stretch. Meanwhile, the Celtics will look to Jaylen Brown to lead the charge and see just how far this resilient squad can go in the postseason.