How Jayson Tatum’s Injury Update Bodes Well for Indiana Pacers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In the 2025 NBA playoffs, superstars Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum all tore their Achilles’ tendons, ending their bids to play next season.
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Not so fast! While Haliburton and Lillard have both made it clear that they will not play for the Indiana Pacers or Portland Trail Blazers next season, Tatum has made no such promise and might be on the mend faster than anyone we’ve ever seen.
He was recently spotted at Chris Paul’s youth camp looking shockingly mobile, and he might rejoin the Boston Celtics late next season, just in time for a playoff push.
“There has been no timetable released regarding his return to play, but, assuming continued progress and no setbacks, the possibility of him rejoining the Celts late in the regular season has not been ruled out,” wrote Heavy’sSteve Bulpett.
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Tatum, perhaps the most famous Kobe Bryant disciple, is trying to join the Black Mamba as one of only a few players who have returned the following season from an Achilles tear, although Bryant played only six games in 2014.
While no two Achilles injuries are the same, if Tatum can speed back, Haliburton’s methodical recovery might suggest a lower risk of him re-injuring his lower leg. As one of the top point guards in the league, the Pacers’ title hopes hinge on him. 2026 won’t be Indiana’s year, but if their best player can make a quick, effective recovery like Tatum apparently is, it’ll be hard to count the Pacers out in the coming years.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.