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Aug 23, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) wears a purple armband in honor of the late Kobe Bryant during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in game four of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

'I’m Not Rushing It At All' – Boston Celtics Star Could Potentially Play Next Season Following Achilles Tear Injury

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 10:01 AM ET

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon. There hasn’t been an official report regarding Tatum’s return. However, it’s been suggested by multiple experts that he’ll likely be out of the team’s rotation as he continues to rehab. However, the basketball star isn’t ruling out the possibility of returning before the season ends.

During the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, Tatum suffered a season-ending injury. It happened in Game 4 of the series when he dove for a loose ball. Losing him caused the Celtics to lose their chance of competing for another NBA title, which they were looking forward to defending.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Tatum talked about his potential return in the middle of next season. He hinted at his plan in the recent episode of “First Take” with longtime analyst Stephen A. Smith.

“I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” the six-time All-Star said. “The most important thing is a full recovery, and I’m not rushing it at all. But also, I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.”

"I don't go to rehab six days a week for nothing."

Jayson Tatum leaves the door open for a return this season pic.twitter.com/8o5UMxG1Dt

— First Take (@FirstTake) September 23, 2025

Tatum is one of three All-Stars who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the 2025 postseason. The first star to suffer the devastating setback was Damian Lillard. The star guard also had a non-contact injury during the first round matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers.

Tatum was the second star. He was followed by Tyrese Haliburton during the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He, too, had a non-contact injury that resulted in a heartbreaking setback.

Boston Celtics’ star likens his injury to a gunshot

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

Losing Tatum was tough for the Boston Celtics. Not only did it end their chance at defending their championship, but it brought down the morale of the team, which led to their eventual elimination in the playoffs.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Tatum described what it felt like to experience the injury.

“It sounded like a gunshot. It was almost as if I had headphones on when I heard it. It was the loudest pop,” the Boston Celtics star said. “I just kept saying, ‘No, no, no way this just happened to me.’ I’m turning on my butt, smacking the ground, ’cause I knew right away what just happened.”

He added that he couldn’t help but cry when he first sat in a wheelchair and had doubts. However, he’s determined to return stronger than ever.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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