Jayson Tatum's Surgeon Shares Insights On Celtics Star's Fast Recovery

Still, the road ahead isn’t purely physical. In the same People interview, Tatum revealed he feared the Celtics might trade him after his injury and admitted he briefly thought his career could be over. 

Those doubts reflect the brutal uncertainty that injuries bring, even for elite players with established resumes. Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists last season, but he wondered if all of it could vanish in one moment.

Beyond recovery, Tatum has also been vocal about his place in the NBA hierarchy. On First Take, he admitted he feels overlooked at times.

“That’s just the nature of being one of the best,” Tatum said, noting that while fans still appreciate him, he doesn’t always get the credit he feels his production warrants.

That chip on his shoulder could be exactly what Boston needs if he makes it back.

And when that return happens, Tatum has made his intentions clear: it will be in Boston. Speaking with CBS Sports, he said he wants his first game back to be in front of Celtics fans at TD Garden.

“I want them to know I’ve been in the gym six days a week. I 100% know my first game back will be in TD Garden, in front of the best fans in the world.”

For a franchise that recently dismantled parts of its roster to reset financially, Tatum remains the symbol of hope. His recovery, described as remarkable by his surgeon, may rewrite the timeline of both his career and the Celtics’ future. 

If he steps back onto the Garden floor this season, it won’t just be a comeback; it will be a statement that Boston’s superstar is still very much here.