When Kevin Durant talks about the road back from a major injury, people listen - especially when the player in question is Jayson Tatum.
Durant, who knows a thing or two about bouncing back from a devastating Achilles tear, offered some insight into what Tatum’s been navigating over the past nine-plus months. And while their timelines and circumstances differ - KD was older and missed more time - the similarities between the two stars are hard to ignore.
Both are long, skilled wings with smooth scoring arsenals and All-NBA pedigrees. And both have faced the daunting challenge of reclaiming elite form after a serious injury.
Speaking during All-Star Media Day, Durant was asked about Tatum’s progress. While he didn’t offer any breaking news on Tatum’s return, he did shed light on where JT likely is in the recovery process - and it sounds like he’s knocking on the door.
“Usually around this time you're playing a lot of five-on-five, playing against live bodies, just trying to get your rhythm and tempo back,” Durant said. That’s the final stretch of a long rehab - not just getting healthy, but getting game ready.
And KD made it clear that this isn’t about hitting one magical milestone. It’s about consistency.
“Getting up and down the floor, getting your conditioning right, and doing that consistently in the last phase is key to you stepping into the game, having an easier transition once you step into a game.”
In other words, this is the grind before the return. The part where the player has to simulate game speed, build up conditioning, and regain rhythm - all without the adrenaline of a real NBA night.
Durant added that he’s sure Tatum is already logging those competitive reps: “I'm sure he's out there playing every day - one-on-ones, two-on-twos, five-on-fives - trying to get his rhythm.”
That’s a strong sign. While Durant didn’t say flat-out that Tatum will return this season, his tone told the story.
He spoke about Tatum’s comeback almost like it was a matter of when, not if. “I'm looking forward to seeing him get out there with his team,” Durant said, with the kind of conviction that comes from someone who’s lived this journey.
And perhaps the most encouraging takeaway? KD doesn’t expect any drop-off when Tatum steps back on the court.
When asked what he anticipates from the Celtics star if he does return this season, Durant didn’t hesitate: “I expect to see All-Star level play and the same Jayson Tatum we've seen before he was injured.”
That’s not just optimism - that’s belief rooted in experience. Durant came back from his own Achilles tear and resumed playing at an MVP level. If anyone knows what it takes to return to form, it’s him.
For Celtics fans and basketball lovers alike, that’s the kind of endorsement you want to hear. Tatum’s return may not be official yet, but if Durant’s read on the situation is accurate - and he’s got a pretty good track record - Boston could be getting its franchise cornerstone back sooner rather than later.
And when he does return, don’t expect a cautious, tentative version. Expect the same Jayson Tatum - the one who’s been the face of the franchise and a fixture in the All-Star conversation for years.