Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has begun controlled 5-on-5 scrimmaging as part of his rehabilitation following a torn Achilles tendon sustained in May 2025 during the playoffs. The update was shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania on NBA Countdown, providing fans with insight into Tatum’s recovery progress ahead of the Celtics’ match against the New York Knicks.
According to Charania, Tatum has actively engaged in his rehabilitation, which remains ongoing. “He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn,” Charania noted, emphasizing that there are still essential steps for Tatum to complete before he can return to game action. These include practicing with the team and further phases of his rehabilitation.
Next Steps in Rehab Process
As reported by Keith Smith of Spotrac, Tatum’s immediate next step is expected to involve scrimmaging against the Celtics’ bench players. Full in-season practices are uncommon, which makes these sessions crucial for Tatum’s conditioning and readiness. At the end of January, Tatum expressed uncertainty about his potential return this season, highlighting the cautious approach he is taking.
Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations, has reiterated that Tatum will only return to the court once he has received clearance from medical professionals involved in his care. “The best time for Jayson Tatum to come back is when he’s 110 percent healthy,” Stevens stated. He emphasized the importance of Tatum’s mental readiness, saying, “He’s got great peace of mind and he’s ready to do it. That’s it.” This careful strategy underscores the franchise’s commitment to Tatum’s long-term health and performance.
Commitment to Full Recovery
Charania further highlighted Tatum’s desire to return to his peak form. “Jayson Tatum has made clear to the people around him that he wants to come back as close to Jayson Tatum as possible,” he stated. This indicates that Tatum is focused on not just returning, but returning at a level that meets his high standards, rather than settling for a diminished capacity.
As the Celtics continue their season, the team and fans alike are eagerly awaiting further updates on Tatum’s rehabilitation journey. His return could significantly impact the team’s performance in the ongoing campaign, but only time will tell when that will happen. The commitment to a careful and thorough recovery process remains the priority for both Tatum and the Celtics organization.
