As the NBA Finals rage on, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum gave a brief recovery update to his fans.
Tatum, who suffered a rupture to his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 against the New York Knicks during the NBA playoffs and underwent surgery to repair it, had a short social media message for fans on June 7.
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“Day 25… days starting to get a little easier,” Tatum said.
The Celtics top scorer was most likely alluding to the number of days its been since his May 13 surgery on his right Achilles tendon.
According to reporting by ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Jayson Tatum’s father, Justin Tatum, said that he estimates an eight- or nine-month recovery period for his son.
Here’s what Celtics fans need to know about Tatum’s recovery.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court by after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Will Jayson Tatum play next season
If Justin Tatum’s estimation proves true, then Tatum may be able to play during the 2025–2026 regular season, as an eight- to nine-month recovery time places his return during February or March.
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Tatum’s likelihood of playing in the 2025 – 2026 regular season is doubtful, ESPN reporting said.
For example, Kevin Durant tore his Achilles tendon during the 2019 NBA Finals, and he ended up taking the 2019 – 2020 series off to rehabilitate his injury.
The Mayo Clinic said that most people are able to go back to their previous level of physical activity within four to six months of recovery, although problems can continue for up to a year.
There is no official timetable for Tatum’s return to regular season action.
Can NBA players be traded while injured
Yes, NBA players can be traded while injured.
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So Tatum could get traded for another player for the 2025–2026 season.
However, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated has said that the chances of Celtics management trading Tatum for a star player open to leaving their current team, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, are slim.
“You don’t even try to trade for Giannis when you don’t know the health status of Jayson Tatum,” Mannix said.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Jayson Tatum injury recovery: When he might be back, will he get traded