Celtics Legend Explains Surprising Lack Of Communication With Jayson Tatum

Paul Pierce hasn't been in touch with Tatum much since his Achilles injury last year.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:21am

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Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce revealed that he has intentionally kept his distance from Celtics star Jayson Tatum since Tatum's brutal Achilles injury last May. Pierce explained that he wanted to give Tatum space to focus on his recovery, only reaching out to him once by text during the process. Now that Tatum has returned and is healthy again, Pierce says he will likely be in more communication with him going forward.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into how veteran players like Pierce handle communicating with injured teammates, understanding that sometimes less contact is more beneficial as the injured player focuses on their recovery. It also highlights the close-knit nature of the Celtics organization and Pierce's continued involvement with the team even after retirement.

The details

In an interview before the Celtics' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Pierce explained that Sunday's game was the first time he had talked to Tatum in depth since the injury. Pierce said he intentionally kept his distance, only reaching out once by text, because he knows injured players sometimes need space and isolation to focus on their recovery. Pierce drew from his own experience dealing with injuries during his 19-year NBA career.

  • Tatum suffered a brutal Achilles injury in May 2025.
  • This was the first time Pierce had talked to Tatum in depth since the injury.

The players

Paul Pierce

A Boston Celtics legend who played 19 seasons in the NBA, 15 of them with the Celtics. He won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008.

Jayson Tatum

A star player for the Boston Celtics who suffered a brutal Achilles injury in May 2025.

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What they’re saying

“This will be my first time today, seeing him saying something to him. So, you know the thing about, I know about guys when they get in a situation Jayson was in, you know, I had to be, I had a chance to be around Kevin [Garnett] when he was going through his injury and stuff. Sometimes you want to give people some space. I did. I reached out to him one time, I think, via text throughout the process.”

— Paul Pierce, Celtics Legend

What’s next

Now that Tatum has returned and is healthy again, Pierce will likely be in more communication with him going forward.

The takeaway

This story highlights how veteran players like Pierce understand the importance of giving injured teammates space and time to focus on their recovery, rather than constantly checking in. It demonstrates the close relationships and mentorship that often exists between NBA legends and the current generation of stars.