Boston Celtics Drop 1 Important Jayson Tatum Update Before Road Game Vs. San Antonio Spurs 1 Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) lays on the ground after suffering an injury next to Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

'You’re Going to Come Back Better Than You Were Before' – Former Boston Celtics Forward Has Eye-Opening Injury Advice to Jayson Tatum

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 6:50 AM ET

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum continues to work his way back from an Achilles injury he suffered against the New York Knicks in the 2025 playoffs, and one of his former teammates is not surprised by the progress he has made in the past few days.

Speaking on the Off The Record podcast, former Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams, who has had to deal with several injuries himself, including a torn ACL last December, gave Tatum some timely advice.

“I told him, ‘Listen, you’re going to be emotional. It’s okay.’ It doesn’t make you less of a man to be emotional about it, to acknowledge what you’re going through, freaking sucks,” Williams said.

Apr 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks with former teammate Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

“But, at the same time, we both know your work ethic and your progress. You’re going to come back better than you were before. I’m excited to see his journey and his recovery,” he added.

Boston Celtics News: Analyst casts doubts on the team’s ability to compete in the Eastern Conference next season

Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury was a seminal moment for the Boston Celtics, as the team eventually dismantled their championship-winning core by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to get out of the second apron.

Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

As a result, NBA analyst Zach Lowe ranked the 18-time NBA champions as one of the lowest teams in the Eastern Conference for this upcoming season during his latest podcast episode.

“The depth chart after White, Brown, Pritchard, and whatever you think of Simons, crumbles to sand so fast. And being that top-heavy, and that dependent on guys with minimal to no NBA track records, is a recipe for a wildly below-expectations regular season. I don’t really see a case for Celtics optimism,” Lowe stated.