Tatum Exceeds Expectations After Achilles Surgery

Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles on May 12 in the Celtics’ playoff loss to the Knicks and had surgery the next day; he is rehabbing and has completed a 20‑minute on‑court session. Medical staff have praised his calf strength and say his early progress has exceeded expectations, though most Achilles recoveries take a year or longer and medical evaluations will determine any return. Tatum is working in rehab six days a week, has admitted emotional struggles during recovery, has been comparing notes with other stars, and says he hasn’t ruled out returning in 2025‑26 but will only come back when he’s 100% and won’t rush it. He has placed a tentative return date on the calendar and said his first game back would be at TD Garden. The Celtics have retooled in the offseason — trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis — and are preparing for a transitional 2025‑26 season with Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and younger pieces like Anfernee Simons expected to shoulder more of the load until Tatum returns.