Jayson Tatum Vows to Return Stronger from Achilles Injury

The Celtics star promises to come back better than ever after a 9-month recovery.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been sidelined for the past 9 months after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Despite concerns about potential rust upon his return, Tatum has assured fans that he will come back stronger than ever, vowing to be 'better than I was last year' as he focuses on his game and body during the recovery process.

Why it matters

Tatum is one of the NBA's premier players, having earned 6 All-Star selections and helping the Celtics win the championship in 2024. His return from a serious Achilles injury will be closely watched, as players often struggle to regain their previous form after such an injury. Tatum's confident pledge to come back better than before provides hope for Celtics fans eager to see their team at full strength.

The details

Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the 2025 second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks. He has been undergoing rigorous recovery sessions for the past 9 months in an effort to return as quickly as possible. While many fans are concerned about potential rust, Tatum has assured them that he will be 'better than I was last year' by focusing on his game and physical conditioning during the recovery process.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA playoffs second round.
  • It has been 39.5 weeks since Tatum's surgery and the start of his recovery process.

The players

Jayson Tatum

An 8-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Jaylen Brown

The current leader of the Celtics, who has led the team to second place in the Eastern Conference standings while Tatum has been sidelined.

Brad Stevens

The President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics, who has stated the team will not rush Tatum's return until he is fully recovered.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The experience has taught me a lot about myself. Thirty-nine-and-a-half weeks out since surgery, and I can vividly remember being out of surgery, and, you know, not necessarily seeing myself being where I am today.”

— Jayson Tatum (New Era advertisement)

“So, I'm proud of myself for sticking with it and just literally taking it one day at a time, and that's what I'mma keep doing going forward. The goal is always to be better than I was last year. Even with the injury, focusing on my game, my body, all those things, I'll be back and be better.”

— Jayson Tatum (New Era advertisement)

What’s next

There are no official announcements yet on when Tatum will return, but Celtics President Brad Stevens has stated the team will not rush him back until he is fully recovered and at '110%'. Tatum's comeback this season remains unlikely, with the team likely targeting his return for next season as they continue to perform well under Jaylen Brown's leadership.

The takeaway

Tatum's confident pledge to return better than ever from his Achilles injury provides hope for Celtics fans eager to see their team at full strength. His recovery process has taught him a lot about himself, and by focusing on his game and body, he aims to come back stronger than before, which could be a major boost for the Celtics as they chase another championship.