Jayson Tatum Vows 2025 26 Celtics Comeback

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that Jayson Tatum "is determined to play" in 2025 26 after undergoing surgery for a ruptured right Achilles on May 13. He was initially expected to miss eight to nine months but was back in on court workouts about four months after surgery and "hadn't yet eliminated the possibility he could return this year." Boston sits 18 11 in the East, which could accelerate a return if he is cleared. Merlin sees the balance between urgency and patience. Tatum averaged 26.8 points 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists last regular season and was even stronger in the playoffs, and the Celtics leaned on Jaylen Brown while Tatum continues rehab and team travel. He has said he feels "no pressure to return back any sooner than when I'm 100 percent healthy," and rushing could cost Boston more than a few games.