Feb 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

'Looks Great Right Now' – Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum’s Road to Recovery Shows Positive Signs

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 1:19 PM ET

It’s expected that Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will miss a significant chunk of the 2025-26 NBA season due to the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in the playoffs. Given that it’s one of the more serious injuries, the rehab process will be extensive. However, Tatum surprised fans and NBA insiders in his recent appearances, showing that he can walk comfortably despite suffering one of the most brutal injuries a few months ago.

Tatum was spotted with Celtics assistant coach Amile Jefferson at Chris Paul‘s basketball camp in Jas Vegas recently. He was standing on both feet without a boot and didn’t show signs of struggle and pain when he navigated his way around the venue.

An NBA scout noticed how well Tatum has been dealing with the injury and reached out to Heavy Sports. He informed the media outlet of the progress of the All-Star forward’s injury rehab.

“He was moving really well,” the anonymous scout told Heavy Sports. “There might have been a slight limp or something, but the surprising thing to me is that he didn’t have a boot for any of it.

“I’m no doctor, but I’ve seen guys coming back from Achilles’ tears, and he looked way ahead. I was kind of shocked to see how well he was moving. I have no idea for what any of this means for when he can come back… But he looks great right now. Of course, he didn’t do any running or even jogging, but he was in great shape and he had no trouble doing his part at the camp.”

According to reports, the Boston Celtics aren’t ruling out Tatum’s return, which could potentially be late in the 2025-26 season.

The Boston Celtics could trade for a seasoned big man

The Boston Celtics suffered significant losses in the frontcourt department this offseason. They traded away 7-foot-2 center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang. Additionally, the Celtics have been vocal about not signing veteran center Al Horford to a new contract.

With these losses, the Celtics need to address their frontcourt depth. One suggestion hints that Boston can move Anfernee Simons to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for center Nic Claxton.

Nic Claxton has been floated as a potential trade target for Boston with them in need of a big man

Any deal would likely ship Anfernee Simons to Brooklyn

Celtics fans, how would you feel about Claxton in Celtic green?

(Graphic via @BenjayCreates) pic.twitter.com/9NuYIaqAgM

— Celtics Lead (@CelticsLead) July 5, 2025

With Claxton, the Boston Celtics will have no problem in the center position. The big man is younger and healthier than the big men than Porzingis and Horford. In the past six seasons for the Nets center, he’s appeared in 311 games, averaging 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds 1.7 blocks on 63.6% shooting from the field.

Mar 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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

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