As the Boston Celtics gear up for a challenging 2025-26 NBA season without their superstar Jayson Tatum, optimism is building around the All-Star forward’s rehabilitation from a devastating Achilles tendon tear. In a recent podcast appearance, third-year forward Jordan Walsh shared glowing insights into Tatum’s progress, offering fans and teammates alike a much-needed boost of hope amid the uncertainty.
The injury occurred in a heartbreaking moment during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 12, 2025. With the Celtics leading in the second half, Tatum went down in the waning minutes, clutching his lower leg after an awkward landing. Diagnosed with a torn Achilles, the 27-year-old superstar underwent surgery less than 24 hours later, a swift response that medical experts say could significantly improve his long-term outlook. However, the road to recovery remains arduous, with Achilles injuries notorious for their lengthy timelines—typically 8 to 12 months for full return to play. Tatum is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season, leaving the defending champions to rely on the likes of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and new addition Anfernee Simons to carry the load.
During an episode of NBC Sports Boston’s “Celtics Talk” podcast hosted by Chris Forsberg, Walsh, a promising young wing entering his third NBA season, provided an upbeat assessment of Tatum’s rehab efforts. “We’ve seen him so often,” Walsh said. “I’ve seen him from when he messed up his Achilles to now, and it’s a big difference. He’s moving around way better. So, he’s progressing well. I’m definitely happy to see him getting back healthy.” Walsh’s comments, echoed across multiple reports, highlight Tatum’s visible improvements since the initial post-surgery phase, including ditching the walking boot and ramping up weight room sessions. Social media clips of Tatum working out have further fueled fan excitement, showcasing his trademark dedication.
Tatum’s absence creates a seismic shift for the Celtics, who enter the season as underdogs in the Eastern Conference after a 61-21 campaign in 2024-25 that included his fifth All-NBA selection and sixth All-Star nod.c98ead Team president Brad Stevens has made strategic offseason moves to bolster the roster and avoid salary cap penalties under the second apron, but the focus remains on building a 4-6 seed contention while prioritizing Tatum’s health. The earliest potential return could be late February 2026, though the organization is committed to caution, possibly holding him out until the playoffs or even the following year to ensure a complete recovery.
Walsh isn’t the only teammate to voice support. Earlier in the offseason, free agent forward Torrey Craig visited the team’s facility and noted Tatum’s positive spirits, sharing videos of the star laughing during rehab sessions. “I always try to lighten the mood up around him… It’s good to see him smiling and laughing,” Craig said on CLNS Media’s Garden Report. These anecdotes paint a picture of resilience, with Tatum maintaining his competitive edge off the court.
The injury’s timing was particularly cruel, coming just two years after Tatum led Boston to the 2024 NBA Finals victory. Over the past four seasons, he’s consistently finished in the top six of MVP voting, including two fourth-place finishes, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier two-way talents.bc056f Former NBA star Chris Bosh recently predicted that a strong comeback could position Tatum as the first American-born MVP winner since James Harden in 2019, emphasizing his all-around game and youth as key factors.
For now, the Celtics are embracing the adversity. Walsh’s update serves as a reminder that while the path forward is uncertain, Tatum’s work ethic—praised league-wide—could pave the way for an inspiring return. As training camp approaches, Boston fans are holding onto these positive signs, dreaming of the day their franchise cornerstone laces up again.
