Follow usBoston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is taking an optimistic outlook on his road back from a torn Achilles tendon. Speaking on Sports Seriously, the six-time All-Star revealed that while the injury was a major setback, the rehab process has left the rest of his body feeling stronger than ever.
“One of the silver linings I found throughout this is, I’ve had 19 weeks to kind of rehab and strengthen my calf to get it as strong as my left one or stronger, but also really work on my body,” Tatum explained. “I’ve went 19 weeks, I haven’t put any stress on my legs by running or playing basketball. I’ve really been in the weight room six days a week, working on my core, working on my legs, quads, hamstrings, and all that. I’m injured, but ironically, the rest of my body is as strong as it’s ever been. So, I see a world in which I come back and it’s like, ‘Yo, my body has never felt this good probably since I was like 19 or something like that.'”
Tatum, 27, tore his Achilles late in Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks. At the time, he admitted to fearing not only for his Celtics future, but for his career as a whole. Those doubts have since shifted toward determination, with Tatum already resuming light basketball activity while maintaining an intensive strength program.
Jayson Tatum is back hooping already.
What in the world. (h/t @LUJBMedia)pic.twitter.com/D7keduP09X
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2025
The Celtics forward had been in peak form before the injury, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists during the 2024-25 campaign. His surgeon has since praised the speed and quality of his recovery, fueling cautious optimism that a return during the 2025-26 season is possible.
Still, Tatum insists he won’t rush back. “If I feel great, we’ll see me out there on the court,” he said. “But I’m going to do it the right way.”
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