Jayson Tatum recovered quickly from the ruptured right Achilles tendon he suffered in the playoffs. His son, Deuce Tatum, provided a family perspective on his father’s strong return from a career-threatening injury.
Deuce Tatum Supports Jayson Tatum Through Difficult Rehab Process
Tatum injured his Achilles tendon on May 12, 2025, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks. He returned to the hardwood in front of the Boston Celtics’ raucous crowd 298 days later against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026.
Tatum’s hard work in rehab and emotional fortitude brought him back all the way. Deuce shed light on what it was like to watch his father go through such a difficult process and come out successful.
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“I don’t think I was ever scared that he wouldn’t play again, but it did take a long time. Last year, he couldn’t even walk! I knew he would always get back to being his old self, because he practiced … He worked really hard to play basketball,” explained the NBA’s most popular 8-year-old.
According to Bass Medical Group, the average NBA recovery time for a torn Achilles is nine to 12 months. Tatum made his return in just under 10 months, placing him on the short end of this range.
Many people thought he would have a strict minutes restriction this season, but Tatum plays 29.6 minutes per contest. The six-time All-Star averages 19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals across seven games.
Just a few years ago, Tatum’s son was learning to walk. This past year, Deuce returned the favor, helping guide his father along the way. Deuce explained how he assisted the Celtics superstar throughout the rehab process.
“If he needed help and wanted to get on his crutches but he was on the scooter, I would take the scooter and put it wherever he wanted it to stay … When we went in the sprinter to go places, he would go up the stairs and I would take his walker and fold it up for him, then I would carry it up the stairs and give it back to him,” recounted Deuce.
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Tatum’s lengthy time off the court allowed him to spend more time with Deuce and his younger brother. “One good thing about the injury that I like is that me and Dylan got to do stuff with him … I was happy that I still had someone to play with,” said Deuce.
However, when Tatum returned, Deuce could hardly contain his excitement. “I’m proud of my dad. But I’m also so happy for my dad that he’s winning games now that he’s playing, and that he can keep winning games so he can get ourselves to the championship,” explained Deuce. The Celtics currently sit in the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, in a prime position to make a playoff run with their superstar.
