Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds onto a rebound in front of Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

'He’s Walking Around a Little More Freely' – Boston Celtics Exec Drops Encouraging Jayson Tatum Injury Update

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 10:27 AM ET

Boston Celtics supporters were giddy when they saw Jayson Tatum walking without a boot during a public event, despite nursing an Achilles injury that will have him sidelined for the 2025-26 NBA season.

According to Boston Celtics president Rich Gotham, while Tatum is not expected to be on the court soon, the 27-year-old is progressing well in his rehabilitation.

“He’s gone from walking around in a boot and just kind of wiggling his toes as a rehab to, as you see him today, he’s walking around a little more freely,” Gotham said about Tatum via ClutchPoints’ Daniel Donabedian. “That’s obviously very encouraging to all of us at the Celtics. He’s such a special guy, such a special player, but also a special person.”

Jan 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“So, we’re just all in his court, rooting for him to get back, come back,” he added. “And seeing him progress — it’s funny, when you go out to our practice facility, like, ‘Oh, he’s walking today. He doesn’t have a boot on today!’ Little milestones in what’s a pretty grueling process for him, but it’s great to see him out at something like this and giving back to the community.”

Boston Celtics News: Jaylen Brown draws blunt assessment from team legend

Former Boston Celtics star Bob Cousy isn’t fully convinced that Jaylen Brown can carry the team next season without his partner in crime, Jayson Tatum. Cousy also thinks the franchise could be headed toward a rebuild soon.

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) stand on the court during a timeout during the second half of their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

“In my judgment, Jaylen (Brown) is not quite at the superstar level that (Jayson) Tatum is at. Can he carry the load by himself? I see a major rebuilding effort here,” Cousy said via The Boston Globe.

“Jaylen certainly won’t bring them to the promised land. Derrick White’s a good player and he’ll produce and he’ll be consistent, but his game doesn’t lend itself to carrying a team,” he added.