Celtics Star Tatum Eyes March Return From Achilles Tear

NBA analyst Bill Simmons believes Tatum could make his season debut in early March, about 10 months after his injury.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, who tore his Achilles tendon in May 2025, is eyeing a potential return to the court in early March 2026, according to NBA analyst Bill Simmons. Tatum has been progressing in his rehab and recently practiced with the Celtics' G League affiliate, raising hopes he could provide a major boost to the team's playoff push.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a huge lift for the Celtics, who have remained in contention in the Eastern Conference despite his absence. However, there are concerns about how Tatum's minutes and role would be managed as he works his way back to full strength, and the potential impact on the team's chemistry.

The details

Simmons reported that he had been hearing Tatum could return in the first week of March, and now believes March 1 is a likely target date. This would mark about a 10-month recovery timeline, which falls within the 9-12 month range provided by Bass Medical Group. Tatum would likely play limited minutes at first and sit out one half of back-to-back games before gradually increasing his workload.

  • Tatum tore his Achilles tendon on May 12, 2025.
  • Tatum practiced with the Celtics' G League affiliate on February 9, 2026.
  • Simmons reported on February 16, 2026 that Tatum could return around March 1, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star and key player for the Boston Celtics who tore his Achilles tendon in May 2025.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer this season, averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game and emerging as an MVP candidate in Tatum's absence.

Bill Simmons

A prominent NBA analyst who revealed the latest timeline for Tatum's potential return.

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What they’re saying

“I had been hearing first week of March for a while... my money would be on March 1st now for him.”

— Bill Simmons, NBA Analyst (The Ringer)

What’s next

The Celtics will continue monitoring Tatum's progress and recovery, with the goal of having him back on the court in early March to provide a boost for their playoff push.

The takeaway

Tatum's potential return in March would be a major development for the Celtics, who have remained competitive in his absence thanks to Jaylen Brown's breakout season. However, the team will need to carefully manage Tatum's minutes and role as he works his way back to full strength to ensure a smooth integration and avoid disrupting the team's chemistry.