Celtics Star Tatum Clarifies Potential Return This Season

Tatum addresses speculation around his recovery timeline from Achilles injury.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been sidelined this season due to an Achilles tear, but he was recently assigned to the team's G League affiliate to get in some practice time as he recovers. Tatum had previously expressed confidence in his chances of returning this spring, but he has since clarified that his mentality was in a 'vulnerable' state due to the long recovery process. Despite the Celtics' success without him, Tatum remains one of the team's most important players and could potentially return in time for the playoffs.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics as they look to make a deep playoff run. The team has been thriving without him, but his veteran playoff experience and elite two-way play could give them an edge in the postseason.

The details

Tatum was recently assigned to the Celtics' G League affiliate in Maine, which allowed him to get some practice time as he recovers from the Achilles tear. Earlier this season, Tatum had expressed confidence in his chances of returning this spring, but he has since clarified that his mentality was in a 'vulnerable' state due to the long recovery process. Tatum acknowledged that the Celtics have been playing extremely well in his absence, but he remains one of the team's most important players and could potentially return in time for the playoffs.

  • Tatum was assigned to the Celtics' G League affiliate in Maine to get practice time.
  • Earlier this season, Tatum expressed confidence in his chances of returning this spring.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who is currently sidelined with an Achilles tear.

Boston Celtics

An NBA team that is currently in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference despite Tatum's absence.

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What they’re saying

“Over 39 weeks, you have a lot of time on your hands. You think about a lot of things. Just hyper aware of what's going on. I think it would just stem from that. Obviously, I know what I bring to the table and bring to the team. But I'm also aware that these guys have been playing extremely well. And, not to say that I would come and mess it up or anything like that. It was just kind of being vulnerable, I guess, for a moment.”

— Jayson Tatum (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Celtics seem to be operating with the belief that Tatum could be back in time for the playoffs, but it's still too early for him to make that call definitively.

The takeaway

Tatum's potential return would be a major boost for the Celtics as they look to make a deep playoff run, despite the team's success without him. His veteran experience and elite two-way play could give them an edge in the postseason.