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Jayson Tatum Issues Reminder to Celtics Locker Room Amid Unexpected Health Update

Originally posted on EssentiallySports | By Shweta Das | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 2:23 PM ET

Four months removed from tearing his Achilles, Jayson Tatum still refuses to shut the door on a return. Appearing on First Take, Stephen A. Smith laid it out plainly: “ Drew Holiday’s gone now. Porzingis is gone now. Horford’s probably gone… I’m wondering, how are you feeling about the Boston Celtics for this upcoming season?”

Tatum’s response was the kind of quiet thunder that defines him. “Well, for one, this is like maybe the third time I haven’t said I’m not playing this season… I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.”

Jayson Tatum has NOT ruled out playing this upcoming season

“Not rushing it. But I haven't said like, 'Yo, I'm not playing this season,' or anything like that.”

(Via @TheTodayShow) pic.twitter.com/hnC0NahQFF

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) September 23, 2025

Despite the uncertainty swirling around his recovery and the team’s drastic changes, Tatum reminded the Celtics what it means to wear green. “With being a part of the organization and the Celtics, there is a standard that we play to that we uphold, regardless of, you know, who we have in the lineup, who’s on the team, who’s not… we always are competing to win a championship. And that standard will not change.” He hasn’t ruled out a comeback. And more importantly, he hasn’t let go of the Celtics’ identity.

This is a Developing Story…

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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