Tatum Eyes March Return; Celtics Reshaped Roster

Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in May and underwent surgery within 24 hours; on‑court workout clips and progress videos have fueled optimism he could return as early as March 2026. NBA insiders, including Jake Fischer, say there is “buzz” about a March comeback, but any return depends on Celtics medical clearance and how Boston’s season unfolds. Boston reshaped its roster this offseason—moving Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday and losing Al Horford—and has not applied for a hardship waiver, moves some view as preserving roster flexibility and signaling caution about contending without Tatum. The team has intensified training camp and planned larger roles for players such as Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, so a late‑season Tatum return would be conditional on his full recovery and the roster’s development. Tatum credits his son Deuce for motivation and has not ruled out playing this season, though commentators and team sources warn against rushing him back because of re‑injury risk.