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NBA expert wants Jayson Tatum’s inner circle to make ‘smart’ decision amid Achilles injury recovery

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Jayson Tatum received some major advice during his road to recovery from a torn Achilles tendon injury.

The Boston Celtics failed to defend their NBA Championship as they fell against the New York Knicks during the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

A key reason behind the Celtics coming up short was the unfortunate timing of Jayson Tatum suffering a torn Achilles tendon injury in the postseason.

Being one of the devastating injuries, players often take an entire year to recover from the same. However, JT seems to be way ahead in his recovery as he was recently spotted attempting dunks.

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Jeff Goodman believes Jayson Tatum’s inner circle will stop him from making a rushed recovery

Tatum is currently one of the best players in the NBA, and a key reason behind it is his phenomenal work ethic. But it also makes it difficult for him to stay away from the game of basketball.

As a result, many are worried that Tatum may attempt to play in the NBA before his body has fully recovered. Comparing Tatum’s recovery with Tyrese Haliburton’s is a clear indication of that.

Despite those doubts, NBA expert Jeff Goodman trusts Tatum’s mother and his agent to make a wise decision about the Celtics star.

“Here’s what I’ll say. His mom, his agent are smart enough to tell Jayson Tatum, ‘It is not worth it. It is not worth it to go out there and blow out your Achilles again.

“And then you’re never going to be the same player if you do this twice,'” Goodman on Celtics All Access on CLNS.

To be honest, that seems like the best move forward as the Celtics prepare for life without Tatum during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Jeff Goodman also understands Jayson Tatum’s side of the story

Tatum has already won one NBA Championship, and he’s currently in the prime of his career. Evidently, he wants to maximise that window to lead the C’s to another title.

In fact, JT is so confident in his skills that he believes the Celtics would have made a comeback against the Knicks in the 2025 playoffs if he hadn’t gotten injured.

Goodman understands Tatum’s point of view, but he believes that the Celtics star doesn’t understand what’s at risk.

“So, yes, the player always wants to get out there as quickly as possible. I get it. They should. They don’t want to see it if they think they can play, but they also don’t understand,” he added.

The only case where Tatum should even attempt to play in the upcoming season is if the Celtics somehow clinch a playoff berth and need his skills to get over the hump.

Any other scenario is simply not worth the risk of rushing back from a gruesome injury.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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